Exclusive: Rising Brit actor Harry Lawtey (Industry), who will have a key role in upcoming sequel Joker: Folie A Deux, has been set to star as a young Richard Burton in UK feature Mr. Burton, which will also star BAFTA winner Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office) and Oscar nominee Lesley Manville (The Crown).
The film will tell the true story of the relationship between Welsh schoolmaster Philip Burton (Jones) and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins (Lawtey). Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognised the raw talent in his pupil, and made it his mission to fight for him, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father. Richard Jenkins would go on to become Richard Burton, the...
The film will tell the true story of the relationship between Welsh schoolmaster Philip Burton (Jones) and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins (Lawtey). Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognised the raw talent in his pupil, and made it his mission to fight for him, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father. Richard Jenkins would go on to become Richard Burton, the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Seemingly freed from the Marvel machine, Ryan Coogler is set to reunite with Michael B. Jordan on a new project, recently picked up by Warner Bros. THR reports the period thriller will feature the undead, and potentially take place in Jim Crow-era South. While other details are under wraps, there are reports it will feature anime influences and has franchise potential. Production will kick off this April in New Orleans, so expect to learn much more soon.
After circling a few projects, we’ve been waiting to see what feature Derek Cianfrance would take on next in the nearly decade since The Light Between Oceans. He’s now settled on Roofman, which he scripted with Kirt Gunn, with Deadline reporting Channing Tatum will lead as the real-life Jeffrey Manchester, “an eccentric and charming serial robber who broke into more than 60 McDonald’s overnight via their roofs, then emptied the cash...
After circling a few projects, we’ve been waiting to see what feature Derek Cianfrance would take on next in the nearly decade since The Light Between Oceans. He’s now settled on Roofman, which he scripted with Kirt Gunn, with Deadline reporting Channing Tatum will lead as the real-life Jeffrey Manchester, “an eccentric and charming serial robber who broke into more than 60 McDonald’s overnight via their roofs, then emptied the cash...
- 2/9/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Filming is due to get underway in late spring on Mr Burton, an upcoming biopic about the man who inspired screen legend, Richard Burton.
The film will tell the true story of the relationship between Welsh schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins. Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr Burton recognised the raw talent in his pupil, and made it his mission to fight for him, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father.
BAFTA winner Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), fresh off his acclaimed performance in momentous UK TV series Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, will star in the title role, with Oscar nominee Lesley Manville playing ‘Ma Smith’, Philip...
The film will tell the true story of the relationship between Welsh schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins. Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr Burton recognised the raw talent in his pupil, and made it his mission to fight for him, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father.
BAFTA winner Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), fresh off his acclaimed performance in momentous UK TV series Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, will star in the title role, with Oscar nominee Lesley Manville playing ‘Ma Smith’, Philip...
- 2/8/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Richard Burton was born in Wales in 1925. The famous celebrity died in 1984 at the age of 58. Burton’s birth name was Richard Jenkins, but he made his stage name Richard Burton to honor the man who adopted him and encouraged him to become an actor.
Richard Burton | Evening Standard/Getty Images Richard Burton was taken in by a man named Philip Burton
After Burton’s mother died, he was taken in by his older sister Cecelia and her husband. While in school and training as a cadet with the Royal Air Force, Richard Burton met Philip Burton.
Philip Burton was impressed with Richard Burton’s promising talent and began tutoring him and helping him with theatre. He attempted to officially adopt Richard Burton, but was unable too because of the actor’s age.
Instead, Philip Burton became his official legal guardian and changed the actor’s name to Richard Burton.
Richard Burton | Evening Standard/Getty Images Richard Burton was taken in by a man named Philip Burton
After Burton’s mother died, he was taken in by his older sister Cecelia and her husband. While in school and training as a cadet with the Royal Air Force, Richard Burton met Philip Burton.
Philip Burton was impressed with Richard Burton’s promising talent and began tutoring him and helping him with theatre. He attempted to officially adopt Richard Burton, but was unable too because of the actor’s age.
Instead, Philip Burton became his official legal guardian and changed the actor’s name to Richard Burton.
- 2/13/2023
- by Eryn Murphy
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor are considered to be one of Hollywood’s most timeless love stories. The iconic celebrity couple made multiple movies together and were married twice; they divorced for good in 1976. After Burton died in 1984, he did not leave any money to Taylor.
Richard Burton | Evening Standard/Getty Images Richard Burton left most of his money to his fourth wife
Throughout his lifetime, Burton was married four times. He was married to actor Sybil Christopher from 1949 until 1963.
Burton married Taylor for the first time in 1964 and divorced in 1974. The two married for a second time in 1975 until they divorced again in 1976.
In 1976, Burton married Suzy Miller. They divorced in 1982. He married his fourth wife Sally Hay in 1983, and they were married until Burton’s death in 1984.
According to the Associated Press, Burton “left the bulk of his 2.7 million estate to his fourth wife and nothing to Elizabeth Taylor.
Richard Burton | Evening Standard/Getty Images Richard Burton left most of his money to his fourth wife
Throughout his lifetime, Burton was married four times. He was married to actor Sybil Christopher from 1949 until 1963.
Burton married Taylor for the first time in 1964 and divorced in 1974. The two married for a second time in 1975 until they divorced again in 1976.
In 1976, Burton married Suzy Miller. They divorced in 1982. He married his fourth wife Sally Hay in 1983, and they were married until Burton’s death in 1984.
According to the Associated Press, Burton “left the bulk of his 2.7 million estate to his fourth wife and nothing to Elizabeth Taylor.
- 2/13/2023
- by Eryn Murphy
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In a letter dated June 1, 1962, the newly formed Film-Makers’ Cooperative offered their first list of films that were available to rent. Fourteen filmmakers were represented.
The need to form a cooperative distribution center for what were then called “independent filmmakers” was made in a series of meetings in the autumn of 1960. The meetings were organized by Jonas Mekas and Lew Allen; and included New York City-based filmmakers such as Robert Frank, Shirley Clarke, Adolfas Mekas, Ben Carruthers, Peter Bogdanovich and others. These informal meetings would eventually coalesce into the formation of the New American Cinema Group.
On September 30, 1960, Jonas Mekas presented The First Statement of the New American Cinema Group manifesto. One of the items in the manifesto stated that filmmaker Emile de Antonio was entrusted with the task of forming the distribution center, although there’s no record of de Antonio’s actual involvement beyond that.
The distribution center...
The need to form a cooperative distribution center for what were then called “independent filmmakers” was made in a series of meetings in the autumn of 1960. The meetings were organized by Jonas Mekas and Lew Allen; and included New York City-based filmmakers such as Robert Frank, Shirley Clarke, Adolfas Mekas, Ben Carruthers, Peter Bogdanovich and others. These informal meetings would eventually coalesce into the formation of the New American Cinema Group.
On September 30, 1960, Jonas Mekas presented The First Statement of the New American Cinema Group manifesto. One of the items in the manifesto stated that filmmaker Emile de Antonio was entrusted with the task of forming the distribution center, although there’s no record of de Antonio’s actual involvement beyond that.
The distribution center...
- 4/1/2018
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Review Philip Lickley Feb 8, 2013
With just two episodes left in the series, Primeval: New World delivers a refreshingly different, plot and character-driven instalment...
This review contains spoilers.
1.11 The Inquisition
With just two episodes to go after this one, you would expect the series arc of Primeval: New World to start rounding off and heading towards its conclusion, and that’s what we get in this talky, plot-driven scattergun episode which abandons the monster of the week format completely to deliver us something a little more tense, revelatory and character-driven. It’s an episode that is void of new CGI or new creatures, but makes up for it by answering some of the questions we have and lifting the shroud off Project Magnet, Canada’s secret paranormal investigating department.
The episode The Inquisition takes place the day after the incidents of last week and opens in dramatic style with Mac and...
With just two episodes left in the series, Primeval: New World delivers a refreshingly different, plot and character-driven instalment...
This review contains spoilers.
1.11 The Inquisition
With just two episodes to go after this one, you would expect the series arc of Primeval: New World to start rounding off and heading towards its conclusion, and that’s what we get in this talky, plot-driven scattergun episode which abandons the monster of the week format completely to deliver us something a little more tense, revelatory and character-driven. It’s an episode that is void of new CGI or new creatures, but makes up for it by answering some of the questions we have and lifting the shroud off Project Magnet, Canada’s secret paranormal investigating department.
The episode The Inquisition takes place the day after the incidents of last week and opens in dramatic style with Mac and...
- 2/8/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Richard Burton's diaries only sparkle occasionally, most notably when he's demolishing one of his illustrious contemporaries
Richard Burton died in August 1984 at the age of 58, shortly before the premiere of Nineteen Eighty-Four, in which he gave his best performance for more than a decade as Orwell's totalitarian apparatchik O'Brien. His diaries cover some 44 years, from his early second world war schooldays in south Wales to the spring of 1983. In May that year he appeared on Broadway in a poorly received production of Coward's Private Lives with his ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor, and on 3 July he married his fourth wife in a Las Vegas hotel. A hefty brick-sized book, it brings to mind the telegram Warner Brothers boss Jack L Warner sent to the director Mervyn LeRoy, who'd inquired whether he'd got around to reading Hervey Allen's blockbuster Anthony Adverse. "Read it?" Warner replied. "I can't even lift it."
The...
Richard Burton died in August 1984 at the age of 58, shortly before the premiere of Nineteen Eighty-Four, in which he gave his best performance for more than a decade as Orwell's totalitarian apparatchik O'Brien. His diaries cover some 44 years, from his early second world war schooldays in south Wales to the spring of 1983. In May that year he appeared on Broadway in a poorly received production of Coward's Private Lives with his ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor, and on 3 July he married his fourth wife in a Las Vegas hotel. A hefty brick-sized book, it brings to mind the telegram Warner Brothers boss Jack L Warner sent to the director Mervyn LeRoy, who'd inquired whether he'd got around to reading Hervey Allen's blockbuster Anthony Adverse. "Read it?" Warner replied. "I can't even lift it."
The...
- 12/16/2012
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Simon Callow on the booze, the money, the life with Liz …
One Sunday evening, in the winter of 1981-82, there was a celebration, at the Duke of York's Theatre in London, of the original radio production of Under Milk Wood. Various participants in that famous broadcast, including Richard Burton, the original narrator, were to read the play under the direction of its producer, Reggie Smith. The theatre was packed, with a largely Welsh audience.
Burton seemed to be enjoying himself, but it was not easy to hear him. He was glued to the book, seemingly in private communion with it. After the interval, the reading resumed. It was evident that Burton had liberally refreshed himself. Now he was not just inaudible but incoherent, with a tendency to slump. The reading lurched to its conclusion, after which the cast repaired to the Garrick Club for a celebratory supper. On the appearance of the first course,...
One Sunday evening, in the winter of 1981-82, there was a celebration, at the Duke of York's Theatre in London, of the original radio production of Under Milk Wood. Various participants in that famous broadcast, including Richard Burton, the original narrator, were to read the play under the direction of its producer, Reggie Smith. The theatre was packed, with a largely Welsh audience.
Burton seemed to be enjoying himself, but it was not easy to hear him. He was glued to the book, seemingly in private communion with it. After the interval, the reading resumed. It was evident that Burton had liberally refreshed himself. Now he was not just inaudible but incoherent, with a tendency to slump. The reading lurched to its conclusion, after which the cast repaired to the Garrick Club for a celebratory supper. On the appearance of the first course,...
- 11/29/2012
- by Simon Callow
- The Guardian - Film News
Primeval Series 5
Primeval series five will premiere on Saturday 16 June on ITV. The fifth series of the hit sci-fi show picks up where series four left off with the government having lost faith in Lester due to the death of Johnson. Arc is now partially owned by a private corporation. The corporation’s owner is an inventive entrepreneur named Philip Burton. Lester and Burton frequently clash as the duo attempt to make the arrangement work.
To complicate things further, Lester has to train three new recruits to replace Connor, Abby and Danny. The beasts from the Cretaceous aren’t in any mood to give the newbies time to settle on the job. Needless to say Lester is going to have his hands full.
B Van Heusen
If you would like to comment on this or one of our other articles you can do so by clicking on one of our...
Primeval series five will premiere on Saturday 16 June on ITV. The fifth series of the hit sci-fi show picks up where series four left off with the government having lost faith in Lester due to the death of Johnson. Arc is now partially owned by a private corporation. The corporation’s owner is an inventive entrepreneur named Philip Burton. Lester and Burton frequently clash as the duo attempt to make the arrangement work.
To complicate things further, Lester has to train three new recruits to replace Connor, Abby and Danny. The beasts from the Cretaceous aren’t in any mood to give the newbies time to settle on the job. Needless to say Lester is going to have his hands full.
B Van Heusen
If you would like to comment on this or one of our other articles you can do so by clicking on one of our...
- 6/7/2012
- by Edited by K Kinsella
At the start of the fourth season of Primeval, we find it's been one year since the death of Johnson (Belinda Stewart-Wilson) and the Arc has been shaken by the long-term disappearance of Abby (Hannah Spearritt), Connor (Andrew Lee Potts) and team leader Danny (Jason Flemyng). The government has appointed entrepreneurial-scientist Philip Burton (Alexander Siddig) to take charge of the operation, with a brand new building and new team. Ex-soldier and zoologist Matt (Ciaran McMenamin), the highly efficient if unconventional Jess (Ruth Kearney), the mysterious Gideon (Anton Lesser), and anomaly-travelling Ethan (Jonathyn Byrne) all join the team, but are they ready for the challenges ahead?
As Connor and Abby finally escape the terrifying creatures of the Cretaceous to an uncertain welcome back at the Arc, Danny continues to fight his way through a Pliocene age Rift Valley, desperate to return to the team with a vital secret...
As Connor and Abby finally escape the terrifying creatures of the Cretaceous to an uncertain welcome back at the Arc, Danny continues to fight his way through a Pliocene age Rift Valley, desperate to return to the team with a vital secret...
- 2/2/2012
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Chicago – We’re back with another DVD Round-up of recently released titles that may catch your attention when you’re browsing the DVD store this week. (Do they still have DVD stores?) This time, read this entire piece aloud in a British accent. Once again, these round-ups are designed as informative, to let you know about releases that might not get as much attention and what special features to expect if you pick them up. Having said that, this is a particularly strong round-up. Ricky Gervais, Camelot, and dinosaurs? You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices.
All three titles were released on January 10th, 2012.
“The Adventures of Merlin: The Complete Third Season”
The Adventures of Merlin: The Complete Third Season
Photo credit: BBC
Available: DVD
Starring: Bradley James, Angel Coulby, Katie McGrath, Richard Wilson, Colin Morgan, Anthony Head, and the voice of John Hurt.
All three titles were released on January 10th, 2012.
“The Adventures of Merlin: The Complete Third Season”
The Adventures of Merlin: The Complete Third Season
Photo credit: BBC
Available: DVD
Starring: Bradley James, Angel Coulby, Katie McGrath, Richard Wilson, Colin Morgan, Anthony Head, and the voice of John Hurt.
- 1/16/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Time to welcome back the dinos and anomalies, as Primeval returns for a fifth season on BBC America tomorrow night at 9/8c, stepping into BBC America‘s Supernatural Saturdays slot held earlier in the year by Doctor Who and most recently, Bedlam.
To whet your anomaly action appetite, we have some pics from tomorrow night’s episode:
[Click on the Gallery to Blow Sh!t Up]
But what you’re really here for is the dinos, right? Here you go.
Primeval Prime 5 for Season 5: Top Frights:
Click here to view the embedded video.
Primeval Prime 5 for Season 5: How to Pulverize a Predator:
Click here to view the embedded video.
TV Spot:
Click here to view the embedded video.
For those of you who haven’t been watching, or who have forgotten where we were when we left our intrepid group, here once again is the BBC America press release about season 5 and about the whole series:
This November,...
To whet your anomaly action appetite, we have some pics from tomorrow night’s episode:
[Click on the Gallery to Blow Sh!t Up]
But what you’re really here for is the dinos, right? Here you go.
Primeval Prime 5 for Season 5: Top Frights:
Click here to view the embedded video.
Primeval Prime 5 for Season 5: How to Pulverize a Predator:
Click here to view the embedded video.
TV Spot:
Click here to view the embedded video.
For those of you who haven’t been watching, or who have forgotten where we were when we left our intrepid group, here once again is the BBC America press release about season 5 and about the whole series:
This November,...
- 11/12/2011
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
Hopefully you’ve already seen the four previous seasons of BBC America’s (and subsequently Syfy’s) Primeval, which returns on November 12. If you haven’t seen the series yet, Yes you can jump in with season 5 because BBC America has provided a handy quick outline of the setup of the show, along with what’s coming up in season 5. If you’re a veteran, you’ll want to know that Yes they will apparently be doing more time travel this season:
This November, Primeval comes roaring back to BBC America’s Supernatural Saturday – bigger and badder than ever before. In the highly-anticipated new season, dark secrets bubble to the surface, testing relationships to the limit as anomalies – holes in the fabric of time – become more unpredictable and numerous, with more far reaching consequences than ever before. The end of the world seems to be just around the corner – will...
This November, Primeval comes roaring back to BBC America’s Supernatural Saturday – bigger and badder than ever before. In the highly-anticipated new season, dark secrets bubble to the surface, testing relationships to the limit as anomalies – holes in the fabric of time – become more unpredictable and numerous, with more far reaching consequences than ever before. The end of the world seems to be just around the corner – will...
- 10/10/2011
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
As part of ITV’s co-financing deal with BBC America, Germany’s Pro Sieben and UKTV, that allowed the return of their axed sci-fi drama Primeval, it’s UKTV’s digital channel Watch who receive the British premiere of series 5. This results in mixed fortunes: loyal fans get new episodes mere months after series 4 ended on ITV, but it’s no longer accessible to everyone and isn’t being simulcast in HD. It also strikes me as odd that Watch have moved Primeval from its customary Saturday timeslot, as I suspect they could have lured a sizeable post-Doctor Who audience their way…
Regardless of the business decisions behind its scheduling, Primeval itself remains a frustrating sci-fi series that’s never achieved its huge potential to be Stargate-meets-Jurassic Park. Its fans are eager to excuse its failings on grounds Primeval‘s never trying to be anything more than a romp with impressive-for-television CGI,...
Regardless of the business decisions behind its scheduling, Primeval itself remains a frustrating sci-fi series that’s never achieved its huge potential to be Stargate-meets-Jurassic Park. Its fans are eager to excuse its failings on grounds Primeval‘s never trying to be anything more than a romp with impressive-for-television CGI,...
- 5/25/2011
- by Dan Owen
- Obsessed with Film
Another week, another list of DVDs and Blu-rays out to buy from today – and what a selection of titles: action, drama, award-winners and even some complete drivel. I’ll let you decide which is which!
Primeval: Series 4 (DVD/Blu-ray)
It’s one year on and following the death of Johnson, the Arc has been shaken by the long-term disappearance of Abby, Connor and team leader Danny. The government has appointed entrepreneurial-scientist Philip Burton to take charge of the operation, with a brand new building and new team. Ex-soldier and zoologist Matt, the highly efficient if unconventional Jess, the mysterious Gideon and anomaly-travelling Ethan all join the team, but are they ready for the challenges ahead? As Connor and Abby finally escape the terrifying creatures of the Cretaceous to an uncertain welcome back at the Arc, Danny continues to fight his way through a Pliocene age Rift Valley, desperate to return...
Primeval: Series 4 (DVD/Blu-ray)
It’s one year on and following the death of Johnson, the Arc has been shaken by the long-term disappearance of Abby, Connor and team leader Danny. The government has appointed entrepreneurial-scientist Philip Burton to take charge of the operation, with a brand new building and new team. Ex-soldier and zoologist Matt, the highly efficient if unconventional Jess, the mysterious Gideon and anomaly-travelling Ethan all join the team, but are they ready for the challenges ahead? As Connor and Abby finally escape the terrifying creatures of the Cretaceous to an uncertain welcome back at the Arc, Danny continues to fight his way through a Pliocene age Rift Valley, desperate to return...
- 2/21/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
I’m glad that Primeval came back for another two seasons, season 4 has been the best yet, with better creature effects, acting, and more of that great British sarcasm. The writers seem to have taken on board what works so well for shows like Doctor Who, and have been teasing viewers with questions like “Who is Matt Anderson really?”, “Who is Gideon?”, “Are they time travellers?” and “What are they up to?”
Their conversations lead viewers to believe that they’re trying to stop some sort of disaster that’s unleashed by someone at the Arc. As the fifth and penultimate episode of season 4 of Primeval is due to be broadcast this weekend, synopses of season 5 episodes have surfaced online that may explain what Matt Anderson it trying to prevent, but might paradoxically cause.
Beware – spoilers below for season 4 and 5 of Primeval…
The Arc is quiet and there have been no anomalies for months.
Their conversations lead viewers to believe that they’re trying to stop some sort of disaster that’s unleashed by someone at the Arc. As the fifth and penultimate episode of season 4 of Primeval is due to be broadcast this weekend, synopses of season 5 episodes have surfaced online that may explain what Matt Anderson it trying to prevent, but might paradoxically cause.
Beware – spoilers below for season 4 and 5 of Primeval…
The Arc is quiet and there have been no anomalies for months.
- 1/27/2011
- by Baron Fornightly
- Nerdly
Connor and Abby are sent to investigate an odd anomaly signal, and uncover the existence of an ancient Labyrinthodont in a small coastal town. While trying to track it down, they discover a group of farmers smuggling dangerous fuel. Back at the Arc, Matt sets out to find Emily after her mysterious disappearance. Stars: Jason Flemyng as Danny Quinn Andrew-Lee Potts as Connor Temple Hannah Spearritt as Abby Maitland Ben Miller as James Lester James Bradshaw as Duncan Ben Mansfield as Hilary Becker Lucy Brown as Jenny Lewis Ciarán McMenamin as Matt Anderson. Ruth Kearney as Jess Parker. Alexander Siddig as Philip Burton. Ruth Bradley as Emily Merchant. Anton Lesser as Gideon. Jonathan Byrne as Ethan Dobrowski. LEEE777 - Primeval episode five airs tonight on BBC America 9/8c and ITV 1 at 7pm.
- 1/22/2011
- ComicBookMovie.com
The opening titles of Primeval involve triangular shards of light with various dinosaurs and monsters emblazoned on them, synchronized with the appearance of each cast member’s credit. This speaks volumes about the show itself, which has always placed an emphasis on CGI beasties over characterization and acting.
Primeval suffered an extinction event in summer 2009, when ITV decided to cancel the expensive series in the face of strong ratings, because of financial difficulties. In a remarkable rescue, the show was revived by ITV agreeing to split production costs between three partners: UKTV (who’ll premiere series 5 on Watch), BBC America and the German broadcaster ProSieben. It’s great to see a TV show survive death thanks to some business creativity, to benefit the millions who enjoy it, but Primeval is unfortunately a series that remains more of a special-effects showreel than a compelling action drama.
One big problem is the casting,...
Primeval suffered an extinction event in summer 2009, when ITV decided to cancel the expensive series in the face of strong ratings, because of financial difficulties. In a remarkable rescue, the show was revived by ITV agreeing to split production costs between three partners: UKTV (who’ll premiere series 5 on Watch), BBC America and the German broadcaster ProSieben. It’s great to see a TV show survive death thanks to some business creativity, to benefit the millions who enjoy it, but Primeval is unfortunately a series that remains more of a special-effects showreel than a compelling action drama.
One big problem is the casting,...
- 1/2/2011
- by Dan Owen
- Obsessed with Film
ITV have put five short webisodes for Primeval online, ahead of Season 4's New Year’s Day premiere. The popular time-travelling dinosaur show succumbed to the all-too-frequent scourge of cancellation after three UK seasons due to financial concerns, but then was recommissioned for Seasons 4 and 5 as an international co-production after fan outcry. (However, in the Us, Seasons 1 and 2 were combined to give one 13-episode ‘season’, so this will probably be treated as the third ‘season’.)
Starting off with interviews with two of the remaining (i.e. not dead, resigned or missing) characters (Ben Miller's James Lester and Ben Mansfield's Captain Becker) is a cool way of recapping the events so far. The first webisode goes on to show recruitment interviews with two new members of the team, Matt Anderson (Ciarán McMenamin) and Jess Parker (Ruth Kearney). The businessman and scientist Philip Burton (Star Trek: DS9's Alexander Siddig) is also introduced later on.
Starting off with interviews with two of the remaining (i.e. not dead, resigned or missing) characters (Ben Miller's James Lester and Ben Mansfield's Captain Becker) is a cool way of recapping the events so far. The first webisode goes on to show recruitment interviews with two new members of the team, Matt Anderson (Ciarán McMenamin) and Jess Parker (Ruth Kearney). The businessman and scientist Philip Burton (Star Trek: DS9's Alexander Siddig) is also introduced later on.
- 1/1/2011
- Shadowlocked
Former pop star Hannah Spearritt says fans will be impressed by the comeback of Primeval.
In a new interview, she reveals how the primetime show has been revamped for its return to the screen - and also takes us behind the scenes on her relationship with co-star Andrew-Lee Potts.
When the dinosaur drama was cancelled after three series, it wasn't only the fans who were shocked. Hannah Spearritt, who plays Abby, says she was left stunned too.
"It was a tough time for everybody - there were a few shows that were unfortunately dropped because of the credit crunch," says the 29-year-old.
"It was bizarre because when we spoke to people on the street there was a sense that the public really believed in the show."
Spearritt took advantage of her time off by enjoying what she calls "life time".
"I was doing loads of stuff for the house, an ongoing project of mine,...
In a new interview, she reveals how the primetime show has been revamped for its return to the screen - and also takes us behind the scenes on her relationship with co-star Andrew-Lee Potts.
When the dinosaur drama was cancelled after three series, it wasn't only the fans who were shocked. Hannah Spearritt, who plays Abby, says she was left stunned too.
"It was a tough time for everybody - there were a few shows that were unfortunately dropped because of the credit crunch," says the 29-year-old.
"It was bizarre because when we spoke to people on the street there was a sense that the public really believed in the show."
Spearritt took advantage of her time off by enjoying what she calls "life time".
"I was doing loads of stuff for the house, an ongoing project of mine,...
- 12/30/2010
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
ITV has announced that a series of new Primeval webisodes will be released exclusively online. Consisting of five 5-minute episodes, the series will launch on the ITV Primeval website on December 22. Set in the period between the third and fourth series, the webisodes will introduce new characters Philip Burton (Alexander Siddig), Matt (Ciaran McMenamin) and Jess (Ruth Kearney), while giving fans their first glimpse at the new Arc facility. Ben Freeman, senior editor for soaps and drama at ITV.com, said: "We are delighted to be working with Impossible Pictures to offer fans of (more)...
- 12/15/2010
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
After the rumor that the very cool BBC show Primeval got the cancel boot we now have an early Christmas present saying the show returns for a Season 4 on January 1st, 2011 in the UK and here in the Us. This makes me happy and we all know we need to keep me happy! Who's all pumped about the show returning? From the Press Release:
New Year’s Day marks a new beginning for acclaimed series "Primeval", when it premieres in the Us on BBC America, the same day as its UK broadcast. Returning to screens thanks to a unique international collaboration, including new co-producer BBC America, the seven-episode Season 4 delivers ambitious adventures and opens the franchise to new audiences. From the creators of "Walking with Dinosaurs" and "Survivors", "Primeval" sees the arrival of new faces and headquarters along with the surprise return of some notable guest stars from earlier seasons.
New Year’s Day marks a new beginning for acclaimed series "Primeval", when it premieres in the Us on BBC America, the same day as its UK broadcast. Returning to screens thanks to a unique international collaboration, including new co-producer BBC America, the seven-episode Season 4 delivers ambitious adventures and opens the franchise to new audiences. From the creators of "Walking with Dinosaurs" and "Survivors", "Primeval" sees the arrival of new faces and headquarters along with the surprise return of some notable guest stars from earlier seasons.
- 12/5/2010
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
We're well aware that the UK's awesomely fun TV series "Primeval" is more sci-fi than horror, but damnit, it's full of dinosaurs and tons of other scary creatures so while we'll not be covering it full-time here on DC, we do want to make our readers aware of its return to the airwaves in Both the UK and the Us simultaneously on January 1, 2011.
From the Press Release:
New Year’s Day marks a new beginning for acclaimed series "Primeval", when it premieres in the Us on BBC America, the same day as its UK broadcast. Returning to screens thanks to a unique international collaboration, including new co-producer BBC America, the seven-episode Season 4 delivers ambitious adventures and opens the franchise to new audiences. From the creators of "Walking with Dinosaurs" and "Survivors", "Primeval" sees the arrival of new faces and headquarters along with the surprise return of some notable guest stars from earlier seasons.
From the Press Release:
New Year’s Day marks a new beginning for acclaimed series "Primeval", when it premieres in the Us on BBC America, the same day as its UK broadcast. Returning to screens thanks to a unique international collaboration, including new co-producer BBC America, the seven-episode Season 4 delivers ambitious adventures and opens the franchise to new audiences. From the creators of "Walking with Dinosaurs" and "Survivors", "Primeval" sees the arrival of new faces and headquarters along with the surprise return of some notable guest stars from earlier seasons.
- 12/4/2010
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Seems like BBC America will be the place to park your tellys on during the holiday season this year.
After announcing that this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, appropriately titled "A Christmas Carol," will air on Christmas Day, the same day as the U.K. broadcast, BBC America will give the U.S. audience the same treatment with the revival/season four premiere of Primeval, which will air on New Year's Day on both sides of the pond.
The new season of Primeval will pick up a year after the events of the third season cliffhanger that left fans in an uproar after the show was canceled. Well, thank God for second chances...
Here's a synopsis from the press release with a trailer to follow:
When rips in time called anomalies started opening across the UK, dangerous creatures from the past and future began appearing in the most unexpected places,...
After announcing that this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, appropriately titled "A Christmas Carol," will air on Christmas Day, the same day as the U.K. broadcast, BBC America will give the U.S. audience the same treatment with the revival/season four premiere of Primeval, which will air on New Year's Day on both sides of the pond.
The new season of Primeval will pick up a year after the events of the third season cliffhanger that left fans in an uproar after the show was canceled. Well, thank God for second chances...
Here's a synopsis from the press release with a trailer to follow:
When rips in time called anomalies started opening across the UK, dangerous creatures from the past and future began appearing in the most unexpected places,...
- 12/2/2010
- by Mark O. Estes
- TVovermind.com
Primeval producer Tim Bradley has dropped some hints about the new series. Speaking to SFX, Bradley explained that the Anomaly Research Centre will be "under new management" when the show returns. "The disappearance of key personnel has left Lester a bit stranded," he said. "So the old team is joined by new characters who deal with the situations that happened off camera between the two years." Bradley also dropped some hints about Alexander Siddig's new character, venture capitalist Philip Burton. "He's been brought in to finance the new Arc set-up," he explained. "One of his main (more)...
- 10/15/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
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