Exclusive: Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group has signed a first-look deal with London- and Los Angeles-based Locksmith Animation to develop and produce animated features for worldwide distribution.
Locksmith is an independent producer of animated features and series and was behind the 20th Century Studios feature Ron’s Gone Wrong. That pic was released theatrically and on Disney+ in 2021.
‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’
The first of Locksmith’s two properties being developed under the new deal is Bad Fairies, a subversive musical comedy set in contemporary London. It focuses on a badass gang of fairies who break every rule in the book. Deborah Frances-White, creator and host of podcast The Guilty Feminist, is writing the screenplay. Megan Nicole Dong, creator and director of Netflix’s animated musical series Centaurworld, is attached to direct.
The second project is The Lunar Chronicles, based on Marissa Meyer’s bestselling novels. A sci-fi twist on Grimms’ Fairy Tales,...
Locksmith is an independent producer of animated features and series and was behind the 20th Century Studios feature Ron’s Gone Wrong. That pic was released theatrically and on Disney+ in 2021.
‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’
The first of Locksmith’s two properties being developed under the new deal is Bad Fairies, a subversive musical comedy set in contemporary London. It focuses on a badass gang of fairies who break every rule in the book. Deborah Frances-White, creator and host of podcast The Guilty Feminist, is writing the screenplay. Megan Nicole Dong, creator and director of Netflix’s animated musical series Centaurworld, is attached to direct.
The second project is The Lunar Chronicles, based on Marissa Meyer’s bestselling novels. A sci-fi twist on Grimms’ Fairy Tales,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 100 key figures from the UK film and TV industry have signed a letter urging the UK government to take “immediate action” against Iranian authorities for “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights” in their response to the wave of public protests that erupted last year.
The industry leaders, including Barbara Broccoli, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Edgar Wright, are calling for the UK government to “actively campaign to stop the violence used against the protesters in Iran, including an immediate stop to all executions” and “demand the release of all political prisoners in Iran.”
“Enough is enough. If the global community, which the UK is an active and influential member of, does not act firmly, these atrocities will continue,” the letter reads. “We need to sincerely support the people of Iran in their fight for justice and freedom.”
The letter was organized by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under...
The industry leaders, including Barbara Broccoli, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Edgar Wright, are calling for the UK government to “actively campaign to stop the violence used against the protesters in Iran, including an immediate stop to all executions” and “demand the release of all political prisoners in Iran.”
“Enough is enough. If the global community, which the UK is an active and influential member of, does not act firmly, these atrocities will continue,” the letter reads. “We need to sincerely support the people of Iran in their fight for justice and freedom.”
The letter was organized by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under...
- 1/17/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
A growing number of figures from the film and TV industry in the U.K. have signed a letter urging British politicians to support the people of Iran as the country faces global condemnation for executing several of those involved in the wave of protests that erupted last year.
The letter, instigated by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari, calls for members of U.K. parliament to actively campaign for Iran to stop violence against protesters and end all executions, to hold Iran accountable for the “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights,” and to demand that Iran releases all political prisoners.
Among the almost 100 names to have signed the letter, which is still circulating and gathering attention, are Olivia Colman, Martin McDonagh, Jessie Buckley, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Brett Goldstein, Jonathan Pryce, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Curtis, Gillian Anderson, Felicity Jones, George Mackay, Edgar Wright and Hayley Atwell.
The letter is the latest...
The letter, instigated by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari, calls for members of U.K. parliament to actively campaign for Iran to stop violence against protesters and end all executions, to hold Iran accountable for the “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights,” and to demand that Iran releases all political prisoners.
Among the almost 100 names to have signed the letter, which is still circulating and gathering attention, are Olivia Colman, Martin McDonagh, Jessie Buckley, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Brett Goldstein, Jonathan Pryce, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Curtis, Gillian Anderson, Felicity Jones, George Mackay, Edgar Wright and Hayley Atwell.
The letter is the latest...
- 1/16/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The International Women’s Podcast Awards, a unique event celebrating the very best moments in podcasting created by women and non-binary folk, has announced their winners for 2022. The awards recognise the work of women and non-binary people in podcasting, both behind the mic and behind the scenes, who have created incredible audio moments and intimate listening experiences.
The 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards was hosted at The Conduit in London by acclaimed comedian, podcaster and writer, Deborah Frances-White, whose own podcast The Guilty Feminist has had more than 95 million downloads worldwide. 180 guests were present in London for the event, with nominees attending from as far afield as Los Angeles, Israel, Zambia and Switzerland. A wider global audience watched via a livestream from The Conduit, giving the awards a truly international reach.
Naomi Mellor, founder of the International Women’s Podcast Awards, said:
“It’s been a real joy to hear...
The 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards was hosted at The Conduit in London by acclaimed comedian, podcaster and writer, Deborah Frances-White, whose own podcast The Guilty Feminist has had more than 95 million downloads worldwide. 180 guests were present in London for the event, with nominees attending from as far afield as Los Angeles, Israel, Zambia and Switzerland. A wider global audience watched via a livestream from The Conduit, giving the awards a truly international reach.
Naomi Mellor, founder of the International Women’s Podcast Awards, said:
“It’s been a real joy to hear...
- 9/30/2022
- Podnews.net
Millie Bobby Brown has endured more than a few unsettling encounters since skyrocketing to stardom as Eleven in Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
Brown, who was 12 years old when the series began in July 2016, said during the “Guilty Feminist” podcast that it’s been tough growing up in Hollywood, especially since she turned 18 in February.
“Any 18 year old is dealing with navigating being an adult and having relationships and friendships and being liked and trying to fit in,” Brown told podcast co-hosts Deborah Frances-White and Susan Wokoma, via The Los Angeles Times. “It’s all a lot, and you’re trying to find yourself while doing that. The only difference is that, obviously, I’m doing that in the public eye, so it can be really overwhelming.”
Brown continued that she has seen a “difference” in how she’s been treated since becoming a legal adult ahead of the premiere of...
Brown, who was 12 years old when the series began in July 2016, said during the “Guilty Feminist” podcast that it’s been tough growing up in Hollywood, especially since she turned 18 in February.
“Any 18 year old is dealing with navigating being an adult and having relationships and friendships and being liked and trying to fit in,” Brown told podcast co-hosts Deborah Frances-White and Susan Wokoma, via The Los Angeles Times. “It’s all a lot, and you’re trying to find yourself while doing that. The only difference is that, obviously, I’m doing that in the public eye, so it can be really overwhelming.”
Brown continued that she has seen a “difference” in how she’s been treated since becoming a legal adult ahead of the premiere of...
- 4/13/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Millie Bobby Brown turned 18 years old on Feb. 19, 2022. Like Emma Watson, Natalie Portman, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and countless other women who have been in the public eye since they were children, Brown's 18th birthday marked an unfortunate turning point in the way she's regarded by the "press and social media." During a recent interview with Deborah Frances-White on the "Guilty Feminist" podcast, Brown commented on the sharp increase in hypersexualization she's experienced since coming of age.
"I deal with the same things any 18 year old is dealing with: navigating being an adult and having relationships and friendships," she said. "It's all of those things - being liked and trying to fit in. You're trying to find yourself while doing that. The only difference is I'm doing that in the public eye. So it can be really overwhelming."
"I'm definitely seeing a difference between the way people act and the...
"I deal with the same things any 18 year old is dealing with: navigating being an adult and having relationships and friendships," she said. "It's all of those things - being liked and trying to fit in. You're trying to find yourself while doing that. The only difference is I'm doing that in the public eye. So it can be really overwhelming."
"I'm definitely seeing a difference between the way people act and the...
- 4/12/2022
- by Chanel Vargas
- Popsugar.com
Legendary filmmaker, Martin Scorsese has been putting his time in lockdown to good use. ‘The Irishman’ director has created an exclusive short based on his time in isolation for the BBC’s ‘Lockdown Culture with Mary Beard’.
The film sees Martin explore what lockdown has meant to him, self-shot by the award-winning filmmaker. It will premiere in the final episode of the show on Thursday 28th May at 7pm on BBC Two. In addition to Martin Scorsese, Director Lee Daniels will also feature, explaining why he believes the current shutdown in Hollywood could be a radical creative opportunity for filmmakers.
Talking about his experience in lockdown, Scorsese said: “What I look forward to in the future is carrying with me what I have been forced to learn in these circumstances. It is the essential. The people you love. Being able to take care of them and be with them as much as you can.
The film sees Martin explore what lockdown has meant to him, self-shot by the award-winning filmmaker. It will premiere in the final episode of the show on Thursday 28th May at 7pm on BBC Two. In addition to Martin Scorsese, Director Lee Daniels will also feature, explaining why he believes the current shutdown in Hollywood could be a radical creative opportunity for filmmakers.
Talking about his experience in lockdown, Scorsese said: “What I look forward to in the future is carrying with me what I have been forced to learn in these circumstances. It is the essential. The people you love. Being able to take care of them and be with them as much as you can.
- 5/28/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Martin Scorsese made a short film reflecting on his lockdown experience in his New York City home during the coronavirus crisis, to be aired on Thursday on BBC Two.
The “exclusive and very personal” movie will air as part of the final program in the series “Lockdown Culture With Mary Beard,” which is presented from Beard’s home study. Beard examines the links between risk, culture and creativity.
“What I look forward to in the future is carrying with me what I have been forced to learn in these circumstances,” Scorsese said. “It is the essential. The people you love. Being able to take care of them and be with them as much as you can.”
“Martin Scorsese makes a wonderful end to the series. We see him at home, thinking about lockdown through the lens of classic movies, like Hitchcock’s ‘The Wrong Man,'” Beard said. “But what...
The “exclusive and very personal” movie will air as part of the final program in the series “Lockdown Culture With Mary Beard,” which is presented from Beard’s home study. Beard examines the links between risk, culture and creativity.
“What I look forward to in the future is carrying with me what I have been forced to learn in these circumstances,” Scorsese said. “It is the essential. The people you love. Being able to take care of them and be with them as much as you can.”
“Martin Scorsese makes a wonderful end to the series. We see him at home, thinking about lockdown through the lens of classic movies, like Hitchcock’s ‘The Wrong Man,'” Beard said. “But what...
- 5/27/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
A new Martin Scorsese joint is coming to screens. Ok, it may not be Killers Of The Flower Moon, but fans will be intrigued by the prospect of a self-shot short made in the filmmaker’s NYC home. The project has been commissioned for the BBC’s Lockdown Culture with Mary Beard and will premiere in the UK on BBC Two May 28.
The short will explore what lockdown has meant to Scorsese, and will also feature fellow filmmaker Lee Daniels explaining why he believes the current shutdown in Hollywood could be a radical creative opportunity for filmmakers.
The final episode of the series, which has been spun off the BBC’s flagship arts programme Front Row (and was previously titled Front Row Late), will also feature artists Gillian Wearing and Michael Landy with their first collaboration in more than 20 years, photographer Don McCullin reflecting on a career spent risking his...
The short will explore what lockdown has meant to Scorsese, and will also feature fellow filmmaker Lee Daniels explaining why he believes the current shutdown in Hollywood could be a radical creative opportunity for filmmakers.
The final episode of the series, which has been spun off the BBC’s flagship arts programme Front Row (and was previously titled Front Row Late), will also feature artists Gillian Wearing and Michael Landy with their first collaboration in more than 20 years, photographer Don McCullin reflecting on a career spent risking his...
- 5/27/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is piloting a comedy chat-show format hosted by a CGI Vladimir Putin. The British broadcaster is testing out the semi-scripted talk show featuring a pastiche of the bear-wrestling global strongman.
Tonight with Vladimir Putin will launch on BBC Two as two episodes of 12 minutes. The episodes will feature Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, Your Face or Mine? host June Sarpong and C-lister Joe Swash.
It will use live VFX, created using performance capture technology developed by creative studio Framestore, to enable a 3D digital cartoon of Putin to walk around and sit behind the desk, interviewing real human guests in front of a studio audience, all in real time.
Putin jokingly thanks Campbell for his part in making such a mess of things, while he makes Sarpong play a game of “Diversity Challenge.” In Episode 2, Vlad asks his first guest the same question he asked...
Tonight with Vladimir Putin will launch on BBC Two as two episodes of 12 minutes. The episodes will feature Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, Your Face or Mine? host June Sarpong and C-lister Joe Swash.
It will use live VFX, created using performance capture technology developed by creative studio Framestore, to enable a 3D digital cartoon of Putin to walk around and sit behind the desk, interviewing real human guests in front of a studio audience, all in real time.
Putin jokingly thanks Campbell for his part in making such a mess of things, while he makes Sarpong play a game of “Diversity Challenge.” In Episode 2, Vlad asks his first guest the same question he asked...
- 5/21/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment has acquired the worldwide rights to the romantic comedy “Say My Name” and “Robin: Watch for Wishes.”
The Los Angeles-based media production company, led by Devlin, Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan, is taking on worldwide sales and domestic distribution.
“Say My Name,” written by Deborah Frances-White, revolves around a one-night stand that gets interrupted by a robbery. Two complete strangers, played by Lisa Brenner and Nick Blood, are forced to navigate the seedy underbelly of a sleepy Welsh isle in order to get back their stolen property.
The film won best Welsh feature at the Cardiff International Film Festival, best actor (Nick Blood), best actress (Lisa Brenner) and best feature film at the London Independent Film Awards.
“Robin: Watch for Wishes” follows a father who discovers the secret bucket list of his terminally ill son. The two abscond from the hospital to experience a father-son...
The Los Angeles-based media production company, led by Devlin, Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan, is taking on worldwide sales and domestic distribution.
“Say My Name,” written by Deborah Frances-White, revolves around a one-night stand that gets interrupted by a robbery. Two complete strangers, played by Lisa Brenner and Nick Blood, are forced to navigate the seedy underbelly of a sleepy Welsh isle in order to get back their stolen property.
The film won best Welsh feature at the Cardiff International Film Festival, best actor (Nick Blood), best actress (Lisa Brenner) and best feature film at the London Independent Film Awards.
“Robin: Watch for Wishes” follows a father who discovers the secret bucket list of his terminally ill son. The two abscond from the hospital to experience a father-son...
- 11/4/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
British broadcaster Channel 4 is doubling down on comedy after handing the genre a £10M (Us$13.4M) budget boost and scoring a number of projects involving Catastrophe creator Sharon Horgan.
Horgan will star and exec produce Happy Af (w/t), a comedy about trying to find happiness. Created by Aisling Bea, who is set to star in Amy Poehler’s forthcoming NBC comedy I Feel Bad, the series stars her as Aine, who is trying to pull her life back together after a nervous breakdown. Horgan, who produces through her Merman banner, also stars as her sister Shona.
Horgan is also producing Next Week’s News, a TV pilot from Deborah Frances-White, the creator of The Guilty Feminist podcast. The 45-minute show will be based in a studio, overseen by a female-led production team, with followers encouraged to speak out on a range of issues. Merman, which is run by...
Horgan will star and exec produce Happy Af (w/t), a comedy about trying to find happiness. Created by Aisling Bea, who is set to star in Amy Poehler’s forthcoming NBC comedy I Feel Bad, the series stars her as Aine, who is trying to pull her life back together after a nervous breakdown. Horgan, who produces through her Merman banner, also stars as her sister Shona.
Horgan is also producing Next Week’s News, a TV pilot from Deborah Frances-White, the creator of The Guilty Feminist podcast. The 45-minute show will be based in a studio, overseen by a female-led production team, with followers encouraged to speak out on a range of issues. Merman, which is run by...
- 5/16/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated & Exclusive: Beta closes a number of key deals on Venice award-winner Still Life.
Still Life director Uberto Pasolini has several new projects on the boil as a producer through his company Redwave. One is a UK/French comedy that is being co-scripted by Simon Nye and that he will make with Rita Dagher’s Senorita Films. Another is a British comedy written by comedian Deborah Frances-White. Meanwhile, he is still working with director Alan Taylor (Palookaville, Thor) on The Horseman, a western adapted from David Anthony Durham’s civil war set novel, Gabriel’s Story.
He is also hatching a version of The Odyssey from a script by Edward Bond. (Pasolini nearly made the project a decade ago with Neil Jordan and is re-firing it now.)
Meanwhile, Beta has sold Still Life to Bim for Italy, Wild Bunch for Benelux, Palace in Australia, Filmcoopi in Switzerland, Arthaus in Norway, Folkets Bio in Sweden...
Still Life director Uberto Pasolini has several new projects on the boil as a producer through his company Redwave. One is a UK/French comedy that is being co-scripted by Simon Nye and that he will make with Rita Dagher’s Senorita Films. Another is a British comedy written by comedian Deborah Frances-White. Meanwhile, he is still working with director Alan Taylor (Palookaville, Thor) on The Horseman, a western adapted from David Anthony Durham’s civil war set novel, Gabriel’s Story.
He is also hatching a version of The Odyssey from a script by Edward Bond. (Pasolini nearly made the project a decade ago with Neil Jordan and is re-firing it now.)
Meanwhile, Beta has sold Still Life to Bim for Italy, Wild Bunch for Benelux, Palace in Australia, Filmcoopi in Switzerland, Arthaus in Norway, Folkets Bio in Sweden...
- 9/15/2013
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
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