Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” has been renewed for a second season, Variety has learned.
Samantha Bond, Jo Martin and Cara Horgan are all set to return as amateur sleuthing trio Judith, Suzie and Becks while Natalie Dew will reprise her role as police inspector Tanika Malik.
In the first season, which launched earlier this spring drawing record ratings for UKTV network Drama, retired archaeologist Judith, dog-walker Suzie and vicar’s wife Becks teamed up to solve a triple murder that rocked their idyllic town of Marlow.
Season 2 will see the group reunite to solve another spate of unsettling crimes. The show is set to shoot this summer, directed by Steve Barron.
Robert Thorogood adapts his own novels alongside Lucia Haynes (“Vera”) and Julia Gilbert (“Midsomer Murders”), each of whom will write a two-episode murder mystery. Thorogood’s episodes will be an adaptation of his second novel, “Death...
Samantha Bond, Jo Martin and Cara Horgan are all set to return as amateur sleuthing trio Judith, Suzie and Becks while Natalie Dew will reprise her role as police inspector Tanika Malik.
In the first season, which launched earlier this spring drawing record ratings for UKTV network Drama, retired archaeologist Judith, dog-walker Suzie and vicar’s wife Becks teamed up to solve a triple murder that rocked their idyllic town of Marlow.
Season 2 will see the group reunite to solve another spate of unsettling crimes. The show is set to shoot this summer, directed by Steve Barron.
Robert Thorogood adapts his own novels alongside Lucia Haynes (“Vera”) and Julia Gilbert (“Midsomer Murders”), each of whom will write a two-episode murder mystery. Thorogood’s episodes will be an adaptation of his second novel, “Death...
- 5/21/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Whether it’s large Marge in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure or the Ark being opened in Raiders of the Lost Ark, horror can spring up in all sorts of genres. Those moments excite you and work as an entry point into the true world of horror. Today, we’re looking at a film that checks all the boxes. We’re revisiting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and why it’s the perfect entry into the world of horror.
Are you in the mood to watch the ’90s Tmnt movies again? Buy Here to purchase a collection of the ’90s trilogy!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was directed by Steve Barron and written by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Bobby Herbeck. Here’s the synopsis: Four teenage mutant ninja turtles emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from a gang of criminal ninjas.
Tyler Nichols wrote, narrated, and edited the...
Are you in the mood to watch the ’90s Tmnt movies again? Buy Here to purchase a collection of the ’90s trilogy!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was directed by Steve Barron and written by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Bobby Herbeck. Here’s the synopsis: Four teenage mutant ninja turtles emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from a gang of criminal ninjas.
Tyler Nichols wrote, narrated, and edited the...
- 5/10/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Veteran film executive Paul Davidson has acquired the remake rights to “Electric Dreams,” the 1984 film written and produced by Rusty Lemorande.
Davidson — who previously ran The Orchard and Idw Entertainment — struck the deal with Lemorande, who retained the rights to the film after its release nearly four decades ago. Brian T. Arnold, whose script “In the End” appeared on the 2021 Black List and is being produced by Sister, will pen the new movie.
In a statement, Davidson described the original “Electric Dreams” as “an iconic film that left a deep imprint on me from the first time I saw it.” He adds: “Released in what is clearly one of the best decades for film ever, it remains a classic that feels especially prescient today. Joining forces with Brian and Rusty is immensely exciting.”
Directed by Steve Barron, “Electric Dreams” told the story of Miles (the late Lenny von Dohlen), an...
Davidson — who previously ran The Orchard and Idw Entertainment — struck the deal with Lemorande, who retained the rights to the film after its release nearly four decades ago. Brian T. Arnold, whose script “In the End” appeared on the 2021 Black List and is being produced by Sister, will pen the new movie.
In a statement, Davidson described the original “Electric Dreams” as “an iconic film that left a deep imprint on me from the first time I saw it.” He adds: “Released in what is clearly one of the best decades for film ever, it remains a classic that feels especially prescient today. Joining forces with Brian and Rusty is immensely exciting.”
Directed by Steve Barron, “Electric Dreams” told the story of Miles (the late Lenny von Dohlen), an...
- 10/10/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Mrs. Sidhu Investigates looks set to be an engaging mystery series with a comedic lick of humor.
The new drama series, headlined by Meera Syal, premieres Monday, September 18, on Acorn TV.
TV Fanatic scored an exclusive first look at the series premiere in which Mrs Sidhu goes up against Dci Burton (Craig Parkinson).
Mrs. Sidhu, a caterer with a taste for solving crimes, is shocked when her niece, Rani, is taken away for questioning after some incriminating evidence.
All of this happens on Mrs. Sidhu's first day catering at Sharpetone, a high-end health club.
Things take a shocking turn when two bodies are found inside the spa.
Initially, Mrs. Sidhu is far more concerned with staying out of the drama until her niece is hauled in for questioning.
Mrs. Sidhu poses plenty of questions to Burton, who is taken aback at the fact that he should be asking the questions.
The new drama series, headlined by Meera Syal, premieres Monday, September 18, on Acorn TV.
TV Fanatic scored an exclusive first look at the series premiere in which Mrs Sidhu goes up against Dci Burton (Craig Parkinson).
Mrs. Sidhu, a caterer with a taste for solving crimes, is shocked when her niece, Rani, is taken away for questioning after some incriminating evidence.
All of this happens on Mrs. Sidhu's first day catering at Sharpetone, a high-end health club.
Things take a shocking turn when two bodies are found inside the spa.
Initially, Mrs. Sidhu is far more concerned with staying out of the drama until her niece is hauled in for questioning.
Mrs. Sidhu poses plenty of questions to Burton, who is taken aback at the fact that he should be asking the questions.
- 9/13/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Marlow Murder Club is coming to PBS in early 2024. The public television network has released the first photos teasing the upcoming Masterpiece series.
The mystery series was created by Robert Thorogood and is based on his novel of the same name. Starring Judith Potts, Suzie Harris, and Becks Starling, the show follows a trio of women who work together to solve a murder in their small town. Steve Barron (The Durrells in Corfu) directs.
Read More…...
The mystery series was created by Robert Thorogood and is based on his novel of the same name. Starring Judith Potts, Suzie Harris, and Becks Starling, the show follows a trio of women who work together to solve a murder in their small town. Steve Barron (The Durrells in Corfu) directs.
Read More…...
- 9/11/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Acorn TV has been killing it with its mystery dramas filmed across the pond, and its latest looks like another murder-filled winner.
The streaming service has shared a promo of the series premiere of Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and let's say we're hungry for more.
Mrs. Sidhu Investigates stars Meera Syal, Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge), Craig Parkinson, and Naana Agyei-Ampadu (Death in Paradise).
Mrs Sidhu Investigates follows Mrs. Sidhu (Syal), a high-end caterer with a taste for crime who solves murders and other ghastly crimes amongst the affluent residents of Berkshire.
A lifetime of being an "Indian Aunty," invisible to the elite, has sharpened her skills as an investigator: an instinct for truth, a warmth with people and a persistent sense of nosiness.
Recently widowed, Mrs. Sidhu juggles her new catering business with wrangling her wayward son, Tez (Singh), all while serving up justice to those who believe they are above the law.
The streaming service has shared a promo of the series premiere of Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and let's say we're hungry for more.
Mrs. Sidhu Investigates stars Meera Syal, Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge), Craig Parkinson, and Naana Agyei-Ampadu (Death in Paradise).
Mrs Sidhu Investigates follows Mrs. Sidhu (Syal), a high-end caterer with a taste for crime who solves murders and other ghastly crimes amongst the affluent residents of Berkshire.
A lifetime of being an "Indian Aunty," invisible to the elite, has sharpened her skills as an investigator: an instinct for truth, a warmth with people and a persistent sense of nosiness.
Recently widowed, Mrs. Sidhu juggles her new catering business with wrangling her wayward son, Tez (Singh), all while serving up justice to those who believe they are above the law.
- 9/11/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Like so many other children of the '80s, I watched the animated series religiously, dressed up as the characters for Halloween, had Turtle-themed birthday parties, and played with those awesome action figures.
So when Paramount was putting together some press opportunities to promote the home video release of its excellent new animated film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" and offered me the chance to speak with Kevin Eastman, who co-created the original Turtles comic with Peter Laird back in 1984, I immediately said yes, even though our conversation could only last five minutes. That's not nearly enough time to delve into all the different eras of the Turtles throughout their storied history, but in our short interview, Eastman told me about his favorite "Tmnt" movie moments, what it's been like...
So when Paramount was putting together some press opportunities to promote the home video release of its excellent new animated film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" and offered me the chance to speak with Kevin Eastman, who co-created the original Turtles comic with Peter Laird back in 1984, I immediately said yes, even though our conversation could only last five minutes. That's not nearly enough time to delve into all the different eras of the Turtles throughout their storied history, but in our short interview, Eastman told me about his favorite "Tmnt" movie moments, what it's been like...
- 9/8/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have endured in the pop culture consciousness for well over 30 years now, in no small part thanks to the '80s animated TV show and, perhaps more importantly, the wildly successful 1990 blockbuster live-action "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" film. Directed by Steve Barron, that movie was truly the point of no return. The Turtles became superstars and, arguably, for a time, the most popular superheroes in North America. But things could have been quite different if an early pitch for a film adaptation had been received more warmly.
/Film's Ben Pearson recently spoke with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" co-creator Kevin Eastman in honor of the home video release of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." During the conversation, Eastman recalled a pitch from none other than B-movie maestro Roger Corman in the '80s for a low-budget movie featuring Donnie, Leo, Raph, and Mikey. The craziest part?...
/Film's Ben Pearson recently spoke with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" co-creator Kevin Eastman in honor of the home video release of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." During the conversation, Eastman recalled a pitch from none other than B-movie maestro Roger Corman in the '80s for a low-budget movie featuring Donnie, Leo, Raph, and Mikey. The craziest part?...
- 9/7/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Masterpiece on PBS has dropped the first images from its production of The Marlow Murder Club from Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood. It’s based on Thorogood’s novel of the same name and stars Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey), Jo Martin (Small Axe), Cara Horgan (The Sandman) and Natalie Dew (Archer).
It will premiere in 2024.
Ghosts producer Monumental Television is behind the adaptation of the 2021 novel. It follows retired archaeologist Judith Potts (Bond), who lives alone in a faded mansion in the peaceful town of Marlow, filling her time by setting crosswords for the local paper. During one of her regular wild swims in the Thames, Judith hears a gunshot coming from a neighbor’s garden and believes a brutal murder has taken place. When the police are reluctant to believe her story, Judith finds herself forming an unlikely friendship with local dog-walker and empty-nester Suzie (Martin) and unfulfilled...
It will premiere in 2024.
Ghosts producer Monumental Television is behind the adaptation of the 2021 novel. It follows retired archaeologist Judith Potts (Bond), who lives alone in a faded mansion in the peaceful town of Marlow, filling her time by setting crosswords for the local paper. During one of her regular wild swims in the Thames, Judith hears a gunshot coming from a neighbor’s garden and believes a brutal murder has taken place. When the police are reluctant to believe her story, Judith finds herself forming an unlikely friendship with local dog-walker and empty-nester Suzie (Martin) and unfulfilled...
- 9/7/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
For those who were between the ages of nine and 12 in 1990, Steve Barron's film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" was a banner event. It was the first time the ultra-popular mutants were seen in live-action, and Barron did not disappoint. The Turtles were provided by Jim Henson's Creature Shop who constructed full-body foam latex suits for the actors, as well as animatronic, full-head masks. Voice actors would record dialogue, and puppeteers would operate myriad facial servos by remote, making it look like the Turtles were talking. Each of the four title teens required a voice actor, a body actor, a facial puppeteer, and, in a few cases, a fight or skateboarding double. It took 11 actors in total to play four characters.
The result was rather astonishing. The Turtles felt more real than they ever had before or, arguably, since. The facial movements on the mutant masks may have been...
The result was rather astonishing. The Turtles felt more real than they ever had before or, arguably, since. The facial movements on the mutant masks may have been...
- 8/21/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
For those of us who were alive when Steve Barron's 1990 film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" was released, it felt like the culmination of a phenomenon. The Ninja Turtles had taken the world by storm in the mid-to-late 1980s, having moved from their comic book origins to a massive media franchise at a head-spinning pace.
After appearing in a popular animated TV series and spawning multiple video games -- not to mention landfills worth of toys and ancillary merch -- it was finally time for the Turtles to infiltrate theaters. Barron's film realized, for the first time, the quartet of ninjas in live-action. The production employed Jim Henson's Creature Shop to construct lightweight latex full-body costumes for the Turtle actors, as well as complicated masks that would mechanically mouth lines realistically. Four actors would play the bodies and other voice actors (except in one case) would read the dialogue.
After appearing in a popular animated TV series and spawning multiple video games -- not to mention landfills worth of toys and ancillary merch -- it was finally time for the Turtles to infiltrate theaters. Barron's film realized, for the first time, the quartet of ninjas in live-action. The production employed Jim Henson's Creature Shop to construct lightweight latex full-body costumes for the Turtle actors, as well as complicated masks that would mechanically mouth lines realistically. Four actors would play the bodies and other voice actors (except in one case) would read the dialogue.
- 8/19/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The prospect of making a grounded "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" film sounds decidedly counterintuitive to the very concept of the franchise. Yet, that's exactly what director Steve Barron did with the Turtles' first-ever live-action film, and with flying colors no less. It's honestly kind of a miracle how real so much of Barron's 1990 "Tmnt" movie feels. Yes, there are human-sized anthropomorphic turtles skateboarding and snacking on pizza in its sewers, yet the film's depiction of New York City is believably scuzzy and lived-in.
Then there are the four heroes in a half-shell themselves, who are brought to life by incredibly textured and emotive animatronic suits designed by the magicians at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Most importantly for a film with the word "Ninja" in the title, they're able to convincingly perform martial arts in action scenes that are far more exhilarating and visceral than the relatively weightless tussles...
Then there are the four heroes in a half-shell themselves, who are brought to life by incredibly textured and emotive animatronic suits designed by the magicians at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Most importantly for a film with the word "Ninja" in the title, they're able to convincingly perform martial arts in action scenes that are far more exhilarating and visceral than the relatively weightless tussles...
- 8/13/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There were always two sides to the Jim Henson Company during Henson's lifetime. On one of them, you have the puppets they created for "Sesame Street" and "Fraggle Rock," shows that are as wholesome and earnest as their googly-eyed stars. On the other one, you have the often frightening and twisted puppets that Henson and his crew invented for "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," as well as those for even creepier fantasy movies like director Nicolas Roeg's "The Witches." The Muppets, in case you were wondering, straddled the line between the two sides.
More than 30 years after its founder's death, however, Henson's legendary Creature Shop is now working on the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie. As anyone even remotely familiar with the premise for the original "Fnaf" video games could tell you, Blumhouse's film adaptation is a far cry from even the darkest projects Henson's company developed under his watch.
More than 30 years after its founder's death, however, Henson's legendary Creature Shop is now working on the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie. As anyone even remotely familiar with the premise for the original "Fnaf" video games could tell you, Blumhouse's film adaptation is a far cry from even the darkest projects Henson's company developed under his watch.
- 8/7/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
“Ninja rap” might just be the Rosetta Stone of early ‘90s pop culture. For only during this brief and extraordinary moment could a musical act like Vanilla Ice in supersized shoulder pads—and with a slicked-back pompadour that made it look as if he just stepped out of the shower—reign supreme as the fastest-selling hip hop artist ever. Also only in that same context could he then be convinced to appear in a movie where he’d dance on stage with full-grown men wearing elaborate puppeteer costumes that made them resemble a beloved Saturday morning cartoon show.
Yet in 1991 all these things happened, and they were all massive hits. Truly, then, the third act of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret of the Ooze is a convergence point for everything gaudy and overwrought in the American zeitgeist of its era. And it’s time to stop pretending like that’s a bad thing.
Yet in 1991 all these things happened, and they were all massive hits. Truly, then, the third act of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret of the Ooze is a convergence point for everything gaudy and overwrought in the American zeitgeist of its era. And it’s time to stop pretending like that’s a bad thing.
- 8/7/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
It’s often claimed that good things come in threes, but try telling that to anyone who sat through the Big Momma’s House trilogy. Film sequels, in essence, are nothing new in Hollywood—the very first sequel came back in 1916 with the silent film The Fall of a Nation, Thomas Dixon Jr.‘s follow-up to D. W. Griffith’s jaw-droppingly racist epic, Birth of a Nation.
However, the concept only became commonplace in the 1970s when a string of follow-ups to successful dramas made waves at the box office. The Godfather, Part II, Rocky II, and The French Connection II were among the first movies that helped usher in this new era of filmmaking. Today though, moviedom has expanded beyond even the sequel and into new territory where the word “franchise” is king. Buoyed in recent times by the dominance of comic book movies and an increasing appetite for nostalgia,...
However, the concept only became commonplace in the 1970s when a string of follow-ups to successful dramas made waves at the box office. The Godfather, Part II, Rocky II, and The French Connection II were among the first movies that helped usher in this new era of filmmaking. Today though, moviedom has expanded beyond even the sequel and into new territory where the word “franchise” is king. Buoyed in recent times by the dominance of comic book movies and an increasing appetite for nostalgia,...
- 7/8/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood is penning a TV adaptation of his novel The Marlow Murder Club for PBS Masterpiece and UK network UKTV.
Ghosts producer Monumental Television is behind the adaptation of the 2021 novel, which follows a retired archaeologist, played by Downton Abbey’s Samantha Bond. When the police are reluctant to believe her story, Judith finds herself forming an unlikely friendship with local dog-walker and empty-nester Suzie and unfulfilled vicar’s wife Becks as they start an investigation of their own. Eventually asked to assist with the official police investigation, headed by newly promoted Tanika, the women must piece together clues, grill suspect witnesses, and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop the killer in their tracks.
The series will also star Jo Martin (Doctor Who), Cara Horgan (The Sandman) and Natalie Dew (Sandylands).
Thorogood is the creator of hugely successful BBC drama Death in Paradise,...
Ghosts producer Monumental Television is behind the adaptation of the 2021 novel, which follows a retired archaeologist, played by Downton Abbey’s Samantha Bond. When the police are reluctant to believe her story, Judith finds herself forming an unlikely friendship with local dog-walker and empty-nester Suzie and unfulfilled vicar’s wife Becks as they start an investigation of their own. Eventually asked to assist with the official police investigation, headed by newly promoted Tanika, the women must piece together clues, grill suspect witnesses, and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop the killer in their tracks.
The series will also star Jo Martin (Doctor Who), Cara Horgan (The Sandman) and Natalie Dew (Sandylands).
Thorogood is the creator of hugely successful BBC drama Death in Paradise,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
If you're a fan of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," then you are familiar with The Suits. You know the ones. They made their first appearance in the 1990 film directed by Steve Barron. Created by Jim Henson and his Creature Shop, these giant anthropomorphic turtle costumes have become synonymous with the Tmnt brand. They are uniquely bulky and completely cover the actor's body, including their head. On screen, they appear as if they would be rubbery to the touch, and if you think about what it must be like to actually wear one of the costumes yourself, you might start to get claustrophobic, sweaty, or both. They are the thing that makes the '90s film trilogy so memorable because they predate CGI and are all about good old fashioned costuming and puppeteering. Depending on who you ask, people either love or hate their unique look.
But no one has...
But no one has...
- 11/24/2022
- by Miyako Pleines
- Slash Film
Penelope Spheeris' 1996 comedy film "Black Sheep" was the second film to feature David Spade and Chris Farley playing opposite each other as a traditional comedy duo. Their first was Peter Segal's 1995 film "Tommy Boy." The two had also previously appeared in Steve Barron's alien comedy "Coneheads," although they had no scenes together. "Black Sheep" was about Mike (Farley), the slovenly brother of a gubernatorial candidate named Al (Tim Matheson) who needs to run his campaign without his clumsy sibling getting in the way. To clear his path, Al hires Steve (Spade) to take Mike out of town for a few days while the campaign finishes. Spade and Farley take to the highways. Wacky road trip shenanigans ensue.
Spade and Farley made a good pairing as their comedy styles were immensely different. Farley was a broad, physical comedian who frequently played loud, clumsy characters unaware of their awkwardness. Spade,...
Spade and Farley made a good pairing as their comedy styles were immensely different. Farley was a broad, physical comedian who frequently played loud, clumsy characters unaware of their awkwardness. Spade,...
- 11/3/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may have been nicknamed "Heroes in a Half Shell," but the actors who played them in their first live-action movie in 1990 certainly weren't half-committed. Each Turtle, based on the sewer-dwelling comic book characters by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, was brought to life via puppetry and costumes from Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Making them come to life for a generation of kids weaned on their animated series and Playmates toys required the combined efforts of in-suit performers, facial assistants, voice actors, stunt doubles, and even a skateboarding double for Donatello, voiced by Corey Feldman.
In a 25th-anniversary retrospective via The Hollywood Reporter in 2015, the in-suit performers — who spent the most time embodying each character — looked back on the demanding experience they faced while becoming Ninja Turtles. Michelan Sisti, the actor who played Michelangelo and cameoed as his human pizza delivery driver, recalled going in...
In a 25th-anniversary retrospective via The Hollywood Reporter in 2015, the in-suit performers — who spent the most time embodying each character — looked back on the demanding experience they faced while becoming Ninja Turtles. Michelan Sisti, the actor who played Michelangelo and cameoed as his human pizza delivery driver, recalled going in...
- 10/16/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Puppets and Jim Henson go together like strings and a marionette. It's basically impossible to talk about puppeteering without turning the conversation back to Henson at some point. Though he passed away in 1990, Henson's legacy lives on through his company, as well as his Creature Shop which continues to create fantastic puppetry for television and film to this day. In fact, it is this very Creature Shop that helped create the magnificent costumes and puppets used in Steve Barron's 1990 hit "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
But convincing Henson to take on such a specific project wasn't that easy. Producers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" were having a hard time getting anyone in Hollywood to take their idea of turning an underground comic book about four teenage mutant ninja turtles (there's really no other way to say it) into a movie, but when they eventually did, they still didn't have a...
But convincing Henson to take on such a specific project wasn't that easy. Producers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" were having a hard time getting anyone in Hollywood to take their idea of turning an underground comic book about four teenage mutant ninja turtles (there's really no other way to say it) into a movie, but when they eventually did, they still didn't have a...
- 10/12/2022
- by Miyako Pleines
- Slash Film
While I don't hate any of the "Tmnt" movies (not even the confused patchwork that is the Michael Bay-produced 2014 big screen reboot), director Steve Barron's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is the only one I would venture so far as to call a genuinely good film. Unlike the other "Tmnt" movies to date, Barron's 1990 flick serves up plenty of silly Turtle-related hijinks while also being serious and even moving when it needs to be, creating a vision of New York City that feels lived-in and real. That's no minor achievement, either, given this version of NYC is swarming with masked ninjas, mutated reptiles, and a giant talking rat voiced by original Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash.
Equally good is the voice work for the Turtles themselves in the film. Brian Tochi, who evolved into a prolific voice actor starting in the '90s, lends his vocals to Leonardo, the...
Equally good is the voice work for the Turtles themselves in the film. Brian Tochi, who evolved into a prolific voice actor starting in the '90s, lends his vocals to Leonardo, the...
- 10/11/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Some might think a story about a group of discarded baby turtles who turn into kick-ass fighting ninjas might be a bit of a stretch. After all, turtles, by all accounts, are slow, so how could one ever believe they could figure out how to use nunchaku? However, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird proved that this idea is actually brilliant with the creation of their insanely popular comic about four turtles who master the art of ninjutsu and use their fighting techniques to keep New York City streets safe. Since the release of the first comic book in 1984, Donnie, Raph, Mikey, and Leo have become pop culture icons, and their story has endured through multiple generations of children. Fans have seen everything from very good television adaptations to extremely questionable movie adaptations, but perhaps one of the most memorable iterations of the Turtles came in...
- 10/10/2022
- by Miyako Pleines
- Slash Film
Some 25 productions have shot in the region in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
- 9/14/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Some 25 productions have shot in the region in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
- 9/14/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Line of Duty star Craig Parkinson, Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge) and Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Death in Paradise are joining Acorn TV’s four-part mystery drama Mrs Sidhu Investigates. Meera Syal is fronting the four-part series as a crime-solving Indian chef, having voiced the eponymous sleuth in a popular BBC Radio 4 series of the same name.
The series, created by Suk Pannu, will follow Mrs Sidhu (Syal), a recently widowed high-end caterer who solves murders and other crimes among the affluent residents of the English county of Berkshire.
She uses a lifetime as an ‘Indian Aunty’ to sharpen her skills as an investigator, while juggling her new catering business with wrangling with her wayward son Tez, played by Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge). She forms an unofficial partnership with world weary police office Dci Burton, much to the amusement...
The series, created by Suk Pannu, will follow Mrs Sidhu (Syal), a recently widowed high-end caterer who solves murders and other crimes among the affluent residents of the English county of Berkshire.
She uses a lifetime as an ‘Indian Aunty’ to sharpen her skills as an investigator, while juggling her new catering business with wrangling with her wayward son Tez, played by Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge). She forms an unofficial partnership with world weary police office Dci Burton, much to the amusement...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon, stars many famous faces – from Matt Smith and Paddy Considine to Olivia Cooke.
A relative newcomer reportedly joining these actors on screen is 20-year-old Ty Tennant, the son of Doctor Who star David Tennant and his wife, the actor Georgia Tennant. David adopted Georgia’s son Ty back in 2011, the same year the couple got married.
It has not yet been officially disclosed who Ty is playing in the HBO show, but it is thought that he is portraying a teenage version of Prince Aegon Targaryen, after Georgia posted a picture of her son at the series premiere with the hashtag #aegontargaryen.
Viewers might have seen Ty on screen before, as a New York gang leader in the 2021 BBC drama Around the World in 80 Days. He co-starred with his father David in the show. David previously said working with...
A relative newcomer reportedly joining these actors on screen is 20-year-old Ty Tennant, the son of Doctor Who star David Tennant and his wife, the actor Georgia Tennant. David adopted Georgia’s son Ty back in 2011, the same year the couple got married.
It has not yet been officially disclosed who Ty is playing in the HBO show, but it is thought that he is portraying a teenage version of Prince Aegon Targaryen, after Georgia posted a picture of her son at the series premiere with the hashtag #aegontargaryen.
Viewers might have seen Ty on screen before, as a New York gang leader in the 2021 BBC drama Around the World in 80 Days. He co-starred with his father David in the show. David previously said working with...
- 8/20/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon, stars many famous faces – from Matt Smith and Paddy Considine to Olivia Cooke.
A relative newcomer reportedly joining these actors on screen is 20-year-old Ty Tennant, the son of Doctor Who star David Tennant and his wife, the actor Georgia Tennant. David adopted Georgia’s son Ty back in 2011, the same year the couple got married.
It has not yet been officially disclosed who Ty is playing in the HBO show, but it is thought that he is portraying a teenage version of Prince Aegon Targaryen, after Georgia posted a picture of her son at the series premiere with the hashtag #aegontargaryen.
Viewers might have seen Ty on screen before, as a New York gang leader in the 2021 BBC drama Around the World in 80 Days. He co-starred with his father David in the show. David previously said working with...
A relative newcomer reportedly joining these actors on screen is 20-year-old Ty Tennant, the son of Doctor Who star David Tennant and his wife, the actor Georgia Tennant. David adopted Georgia’s son Ty back in 2011, the same year the couple got married.
It has not yet been officially disclosed who Ty is playing in the HBO show, but it is thought that he is portraying a teenage version of Prince Aegon Targaryen, after Georgia posted a picture of her son at the series premiere with the hashtag #aegontargaryen.
Viewers might have seen Ty on screen before, as a New York gang leader in the 2021 BBC drama Around the World in 80 Days. He co-starred with his father David in the show. David previously said working with...
- 8/18/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Ten-part adventure-fantasy series is made by Mbc Studios.
Mbc Studios, the production arm of leading Saudi media company Mbc Group, has begun filming Rise Of The Witches – the biggest ever TV series to be made in the country.
The 10-part adventure-fantasy series is being shot on purpose-built sets at Neom, a 500bn megacity that is under construction in the northwest province of Tabuk, and holds the largest ever budget for special effects for a Saudi production, according to Mbc.
The series will feature a predominantly Saudi cast, led by local stars Ida AlKusay and Sumaya Rida, and tells the story...
Mbc Studios, the production arm of leading Saudi media company Mbc Group, has begun filming Rise Of The Witches – the biggest ever TV series to be made in the country.
The 10-part adventure-fantasy series is being shot on purpose-built sets at Neom, a 500bn megacity that is under construction in the northwest province of Tabuk, and holds the largest ever budget for special effects for a Saudi production, according to Mbc.
The series will feature a predominantly Saudi cast, led by local stars Ida AlKusay and Sumaya Rida, and tells the story...
- 8/9/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
There's just no stopping the green. More than 30 years after its release, director Steve Barron's live-action 1990 film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" remains the benchmark for movies featuring anthropomorphic, pizza-loving turtles battling villains named after office equipment. Even its sequels had a hard time replicating the curiously-perfect alchemy of Barron's superhero action-comedy, despite having larger budgets and the power of, uh, Vanilla Ice at their disposal.
One animated feature and two Michael Bay-produced live-action/CGI movies later, the "Teenage Mutant Ninjas Turtles" franchise is headed back to the big screen, this time as an animated romp titled "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant...
The post Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem: Everything We Know About Seth Rogen's Animated Reboot appeared first on /Film.
One animated feature and two Michael Bay-produced live-action/CGI movies later, the "Teenage Mutant Ninjas Turtles" franchise is headed back to the big screen, this time as an animated romp titled "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant...
The post Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem: Everything We Know About Seth Rogen's Animated Reboot appeared first on /Film.
- 8/5/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Lenny von Dohlen, who played Harold Smith on Twin Peaks and its 1992 spinoff pic Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and starred in the 1984 rom-com Electric Dreams during a four-decade screen career, has died. He was 63.
His manager Steven Wolfe said von Dohlen died July 5 at his Los Angeles home after a long illness.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Born on December 22, 1958 in Augusta, Ga, and raised in Goliad, Texas, Von Dohlen made his screen debut in the 1981 telefilm Kent State and had a small role in the Robert Duvall country music pic Tender Mercies before getting his big break in Electric Dreams. He starred as Miles Harding, an architect whose new PC becomes self-aware and develops a love triangle his Miles’ neighbor (Virginia Madsen). The romantic comedy was the debut feature of prolific music video helmer Steve Barron, who went on to direct for TV, earning an Emmy nom for Merlin.
His manager Steven Wolfe said von Dohlen died July 5 at his Los Angeles home after a long illness.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Born on December 22, 1958 in Augusta, Ga, and raised in Goliad, Texas, Von Dohlen made his screen debut in the 1981 telefilm Kent State and had a small role in the Robert Duvall country music pic Tender Mercies before getting his big break in Electric Dreams. He starred as Miles Harding, an architect whose new PC becomes self-aware and develops a love triangle his Miles’ neighbor (Virginia Madsen). The romantic comedy was the debut feature of prolific music video helmer Steve Barron, who went on to direct for TV, earning an Emmy nom for Merlin.
- 7/8/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Dubai-based broadcaster and streamer Mbc is ramping up production with several new high-end shows.
These include “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date, “The Devil’s Promise,” created by U.K. writer Tony Jordan, and crime thriller “1001 Nights.”
Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett in an interview said Mbc Studios now has 65 projects in various stages and reiterated the the Saudi-owned company is committed to serve as a driver to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry.
“Rise of The Witches” is based on a Saudi novel described by Barnett as “a fantasy novel set 1,500 years ago in a time of witches” with a strong female empowerment theme.
The storyline of the show, written by British actor and writer Charlie Higson (the “Young Bond” novel series), who worked in tandem with two female Saudi writers on “Witches,” tracks the rise of two...
These include “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date, “The Devil’s Promise,” created by U.K. writer Tony Jordan, and crime thriller “1001 Nights.”
Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett in an interview said Mbc Studios now has 65 projects in various stages and reiterated the the Saudi-owned company is committed to serve as a driver to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry.
“Rise of The Witches” is based on a Saudi novel described by Barnett as “a fantasy novel set 1,500 years ago in a time of witches” with a strong female empowerment theme.
The storyline of the show, written by British actor and writer Charlie Higson (the “Young Bond” novel series), who worked in tandem with two female Saudi writers on “Witches,” tracks the rise of two...
- 4/12/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
You’d think the songs that we call one-hit wonders — I’ve always applied the term interchangeably to bands and songs — would, by their nature, have the quality of novelty singles. A lot of them do, like “Come On Eileen” or “I’m Too Sexy” or “Spirit in the Sky” or “867-5309 (Jenny)” or “96 Tears.” But occasionally there’s a one-hit wonder that’s so transcendent it qualifies as one of the greatest pop songs you’ve ever heard — which makes it all the more mysterious that the band in question never came within a million miles of replicating its sublimity or success. I’m thinking of songs like “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, or the song that may be the greatest one-hit wonder of them all: “Take On Me” by the Norwegian synth-pop trio A-ha.
As the new documentary “A-ha: The Movie” makes clear,...
As the new documentary “A-ha: The Movie” makes clear,...
- 4/7/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
“Eiffel,” “Around the World in 80 Days” and “The Last Duel” were among the winners at the Digital Creation Genie Awards announced at an awards ceremony held Wednesday in the Centre des Arts in Enghien-les-Bains, Paris. The awards were held as part of the 8th edition of Pids Enghien, which runs Jan. 26-29.
Best visual effects for a feature film was awarded to VFX supervisor Olivier Cauwet and VFX producer Justine Paynat-Sautivet of Pierre Buffin’s Paris-based visual effects powerhouse Buf for their work on “Eiffel,” directed by Martin Bourboulon.
Starring Romain Duris (“Mood Indigo”) and Emma Mackey (“Sex Education”), the visually spectacular historic epic about Gustave Eiffel is co-produced and repped by Pathé, which distributed it in France, garnering more than 1 million admissions. Blue Fox Entertainment has nabbed U.S. rights. Buf has also recently provided VFX work on “The Matrix Resurrections,” and the TV series “Foundation” and “The Nevers.
Best visual effects for a feature film was awarded to VFX supervisor Olivier Cauwet and VFX producer Justine Paynat-Sautivet of Pierre Buffin’s Paris-based visual effects powerhouse Buf for their work on “Eiffel,” directed by Martin Bourboulon.
Starring Romain Duris (“Mood Indigo”) and Emma Mackey (“Sex Education”), the visually spectacular historic epic about Gustave Eiffel is co-produced and repped by Pathé, which distributed it in France, garnering more than 1 million admissions. Blue Fox Entertainment has nabbed U.S. rights. Buf has also recently provided VFX work on “The Matrix Resurrections,” and the TV series “Foundation” and “The Nevers.
- 1/27/2022
- by Martin Dale
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Forced to halt production after just three weeks of shooting in South Africa when the Covid pandemic struck back in March 2020, and picking up again in Romania seven months later, Around The World In 80 Days is due to have its world premiere at Canneseries on October 10.
Star David Tennant, who plays English gentleman-turned-adventurer Phileas Fogg, is expected on the Riviera to unveil the first two episodes of this mega-adaptation of the Jules Verne classic. An airdate has yet to be set, but is likely around the holidays via such outlets as France Télévisions, PBS/Masterpiece, the BBC, Rai and Zdf. Check out the first-look teaser above.
Joining Tennant in the eight-part adventure are French actor Ibrahim Koma (Oss 177) as Fogg’s irrepressible valet, Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as determined journalist, Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
A Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production for the European Alliance, the series boasts a new spin on Fogg.
Life On Mars creator and 80 Days head writer, Ashley Pharoah says, “We wanted Fogg yes to be a preposterously upper middle class over-educated Englishman, but I wanted to give him a sort of childlike sense of wonder because he’s never traveled, he’s never left London or his club. As soon as I hit on that, I thought it’s a love letter to the world, if that isn’t a bit pretentious. He goes to Paris and India and Hong Kong and Yemen and he’s so excited to see a camel, the different colors and cultures. It felt like resetting our relationship with traveling and seeing the world like that.”
In terms of scoring Tennant for the lead, former Kudos boss Simon Crawford Collins, who runs Slim Film + Television, says, “We wanted somebody who could believably do the action adventure, could play the stiff-upper-lip Englishman, but at the same time you never fall out of love with him and you really want to get under the veneer of that and go, ‘Wow, this is actually a complex man.’ David manages that so brilliantly.”
Pharoah, who is also an executive producer, hints at more Fogg adventures to come. “We are in the early stages of wondering — if this goes well — if we could do it again. Taking those three characters and doing a different adventure with them.” Hopefully not under the same conditions, however, which Pharoah recalls as “a really hard shoot.”
It was also expensive, as pandemic-related issues added about £4M in costs, Crawford Collins tells Deadline. “The first lockdown was a killer, but once we got going again we felt very blessed.” Production in South Africa was originally stopped in March 2020 and picked up again in November in Romania. “In an ideal world we would have carried on filming in South Africa where our sets were, but South Africa was coming out slowly so we did the big shift to Romania,” adds the executive producer. This year, production was able to move back to South Africa and the result is “very vibrant and cinematic.”
Around The World In 80 Days counts co-production partners Masterpiece in the U.S., Peu Communications in South Africa, and Belgium’s Be-films and Rtbf. Daro Film associate produces. Seven West Media has also backed the production and will broadcast in Australia. The series has further been acquired by the BBC in the UK and Rts in Switzerland.
While there are myriad partners on the series, Crawford Collins says development and production were “very straightforward.” France Télévisions “came back saying, ‘We love this and really want to make it and we don’t want to be the secondary broadcaster.’ They wanted to be lead, so immediately put in a sizable amount of money. It was a wonderful building block and they then brought the Alliance partners on board.”
The entire process (apart from the shutdown), “was incredibly stress free… We never had any big disagreements… The specter of Europudding still sort of lives heavily in our minds and we all know those days. But I think the trouble with that is when you have a project originated just to secure financing then it really shows through. The difference is that we had a clear vision of what we wanted to say, but just knew we needed a lot of people to help fund it.”
Also starring as series regulars in 80 Days are Jason Watkins (Des) and Peter Sullivan (Poldark). Guest actors include Lindsay Duncan (A Discovery Of Witches), Dolly Wells (Dracula), Richard Wilson (Merlin), Faical Elkihel (The Spy), Anthony Flanagan (The Terror), Gary Beadle (Patrick Melrose) and Giovanni Scifoni (Doc – Nelle Tue Mani).
Around The World In 80 Days is adapted by a team of writers led by Pharoah and Caleb Ranson (Child Of Mine). Steve Barron (The Durrells) directs with Brian Kelly (Downton Abbey) and the late Charles Beeson (The Mentalist).
Federation Entertainment handles distribution rights. Exec producers are Crawford Collins for Slim, Lionel Uzan and Pascal Breton for Federation, Winnie Serite for Peu and Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece.
Star David Tennant, who plays English gentleman-turned-adventurer Phileas Fogg, is expected on the Riviera to unveil the first two episodes of this mega-adaptation of the Jules Verne classic. An airdate has yet to be set, but is likely around the holidays via such outlets as France Télévisions, PBS/Masterpiece, the BBC, Rai and Zdf. Check out the first-look teaser above.
Joining Tennant in the eight-part adventure are French actor Ibrahim Koma (Oss 177) as Fogg’s irrepressible valet, Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as determined journalist, Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
A Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production for the European Alliance, the series boasts a new spin on Fogg.
Life On Mars creator and 80 Days head writer, Ashley Pharoah says, “We wanted Fogg yes to be a preposterously upper middle class over-educated Englishman, but I wanted to give him a sort of childlike sense of wonder because he’s never traveled, he’s never left London or his club. As soon as I hit on that, I thought it’s a love letter to the world, if that isn’t a bit pretentious. He goes to Paris and India and Hong Kong and Yemen and he’s so excited to see a camel, the different colors and cultures. It felt like resetting our relationship with traveling and seeing the world like that.”
In terms of scoring Tennant for the lead, former Kudos boss Simon Crawford Collins, who runs Slim Film + Television, says, “We wanted somebody who could believably do the action adventure, could play the stiff-upper-lip Englishman, but at the same time you never fall out of love with him and you really want to get under the veneer of that and go, ‘Wow, this is actually a complex man.’ David manages that so brilliantly.”
Pharoah, who is also an executive producer, hints at more Fogg adventures to come. “We are in the early stages of wondering — if this goes well — if we could do it again. Taking those three characters and doing a different adventure with them.” Hopefully not under the same conditions, however, which Pharoah recalls as “a really hard shoot.”
It was also expensive, as pandemic-related issues added about £4M in costs, Crawford Collins tells Deadline. “The first lockdown was a killer, but once we got going again we felt very blessed.” Production in South Africa was originally stopped in March 2020 and picked up again in November in Romania. “In an ideal world we would have carried on filming in South Africa where our sets were, but South Africa was coming out slowly so we did the big shift to Romania,” adds the executive producer. This year, production was able to move back to South Africa and the result is “very vibrant and cinematic.”
Around The World In 80 Days counts co-production partners Masterpiece in the U.S., Peu Communications in South Africa, and Belgium’s Be-films and Rtbf. Daro Film associate produces. Seven West Media has also backed the production and will broadcast in Australia. The series has further been acquired by the BBC in the UK and Rts in Switzerland.
While there are myriad partners on the series, Crawford Collins says development and production were “very straightforward.” France Télévisions “came back saying, ‘We love this and really want to make it and we don’t want to be the secondary broadcaster.’ They wanted to be lead, so immediately put in a sizable amount of money. It was a wonderful building block and they then brought the Alliance partners on board.”
The entire process (apart from the shutdown), “was incredibly stress free… We never had any big disagreements… The specter of Europudding still sort of lives heavily in our minds and we all know those days. But I think the trouble with that is when you have a project originated just to secure financing then it really shows through. The difference is that we had a clear vision of what we wanted to say, but just knew we needed a lot of people to help fund it.”
Also starring as series regulars in 80 Days are Jason Watkins (Des) and Peter Sullivan (Poldark). Guest actors include Lindsay Duncan (A Discovery Of Witches), Dolly Wells (Dracula), Richard Wilson (Merlin), Faical Elkihel (The Spy), Anthony Flanagan (The Terror), Gary Beadle (Patrick Melrose) and Giovanni Scifoni (Doc – Nelle Tue Mani).
Around The World In 80 Days is adapted by a team of writers led by Pharoah and Caleb Ranson (Child Of Mine). Steve Barron (The Durrells) directs with Brian Kelly (Downton Abbey) and the late Charles Beeson (The Mentalist).
Federation Entertainment handles distribution rights. Exec producers are Crawford Collins for Slim, Lionel Uzan and Pascal Breton for Federation, Winnie Serite for Peu and Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece.
- 9/17/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
“A-ha The Movie,” a documentary feature on the iconic Norwegian pop band, is set to have its world premiere at Tribeca on June 12.
The band’s hit “Take On Me,” accompanied by a pioneering sketch-animation video by Steve Barron, is still one of the most played songs of the last millennium. The documentary follows the band over a period of four years, sharing the full story of how three young men followed their impossible dream of making it big. When “Take On Me” reached number 1 on Billboard in the U.S. in 1985, that dream came true.
Almost 35 years after their breakthrough, A-ha still creates magic on stage with their music and tour the world together, but behind the scenes it’s a less united front: the group members drive in separate cars to their gigs and stay apart backstage. They only meet on stage, while doing the one thing they love.
The band’s hit “Take On Me,” accompanied by a pioneering sketch-animation video by Steve Barron, is still one of the most played songs of the last millennium. The documentary follows the band over a period of four years, sharing the full story of how three young men followed their impossible dream of making it big. When “Take On Me” reached number 1 on Billboard in the U.S. in 1985, that dream came true.
Almost 35 years after their breakthrough, A-ha still creates magic on stage with their music and tour the world together, but behind the scenes it’s a less united front: the group members drive in separate cars to their gigs and stay apart backstage. They only meet on stage, while doing the one thing they love.
- 5/20/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The story of how Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles went from underground comic book to the highest grossing independent film of all time is the stuff of Hollywood legend. But ask producer Tom Gray about the sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, and you are likely to hear an altogether different tale. One of a frantically rushed production, censorship backlash and a change of director and direction. Actors were replaced, there were clashes with the comic book creators and a series of strange and unusual characters were added to the mix – including Vanilla Ice.
Gray was head of production at Golden Harvest, the Hong Kong studio behind martial arts classics like Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon, when comedian-turned screenwriter Bobby Herbeck first approached him about a live-action film adaptation of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s cult comics.
It’s fair to say he took some convincing.
Gray was head of production at Golden Harvest, the Hong Kong studio behind martial arts classics like Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon, when comedian-turned screenwriter Bobby Herbeck first approached him about a live-action film adaptation of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s cult comics.
It’s fair to say he took some convincing.
- 3/22/2021
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
After production was halted on David Tennant drama Around The World In 80 Days amid the escalating coronavirus pandemic last March, filming has resumed in Romania. In all, the shoot will be spread across locations and studios in Romania and South Africa over a five-month period.
A Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production for the European Alliance, the project has also been boarded by co-production partners Masterpiece in the U.S., Peu Communications in South Africa, and Belgium’s Be-films and Rtbf. Daro Film associate produces.
Joining Tennant in the eight-part adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure are French actor Ibrahim Koma (Oss 177) as Phileas Fogg’s irrepressible valet, Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as determined journalist, Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
Also starring as series regulars are Jason Watkins (Des) and Peter Sullivan (Poldark).
Guest actors now joining the cast include Lindsay Duncan (A Discovery Of Witches...
A Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production for the European Alliance, the project has also been boarded by co-production partners Masterpiece in the U.S., Peu Communications in South Africa, and Belgium’s Be-films and Rtbf. Daro Film associate produces.
Joining Tennant in the eight-part adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure are French actor Ibrahim Koma (Oss 177) as Phileas Fogg’s irrepressible valet, Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as determined journalist, Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
Also starring as series regulars are Jason Watkins (Des) and Peter Sullivan (Poldark).
Guest actors now joining the cast include Lindsay Duncan (A Discovery Of Witches...
- 11/10/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Will audiences ever see a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequel set in the same continuity as the original live-action trilogy? Bobby Herbeck, one of the screenwriters of the 1990 film, is trying to make that happen. In a new interview, Herbeck reveals that he’s had conversations about a potential continuation with director Steve Barron and […]
The post ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’: 1990 Film’s Writer Wants Another Sequel Set in That Universe appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’: 1990 Film’s Writer Wants Another Sequel Set in That Universe appeared first on /Film.
- 11/3/2020
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Everyone knows that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had their share of adventures up on the big screen, though many will attest that Steve Barron's 1990 original feature is the best of the bunch. Oh sure, you could argue that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret of the Ooze had more personality, but there's no denying that their first…...
- 11/3/2020
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Over the last 30 years, there’s been five live-action and one animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, and for a lot of people, the high point is still the very first installment. Steve Barron’s 1990 cult favorite capitalized on the heroes in a half shell being at the height of their popularity and made over $200 million at the box office on a budget of just $13.5 million.
It might not have received widespread critical acclaim, but a Rotten Tomatoes score of 40% is still more than good enough to make it the highest-rated Turtles pic ever, as well as the most profitable. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is heading back into select theaters this weekend, and the team behind the project have been offering up some new details on their experience.
A lot of fans felt that Michael Bay’s rebooted series forgot everything that made the franchise...
It might not have received widespread critical acclaim, but a Rotten Tomatoes score of 40% is still more than good enough to make it the highest-rated Turtles pic ever, as well as the most profitable. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is heading back into select theaters this weekend, and the team behind the project have been offering up some new details on their experience.
A lot of fans felt that Michael Bay’s rebooted series forgot everything that made the franchise...
- 11/3/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
The struggling, pandemic-era state of the theater industry is about to be boosted by a bit of Turtle Power (as Partners in Kryme’s end-credits soundtrack song famously declared), with the big screen return of the celebrated 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.
Fathom Events’ latest big screen retro release will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Renaissance reptiles’ iconic live-action feature, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set for a limited return run at select theaters on Thursday, November 5 and Saturday, November 7. Granted, said celebration will be a belated one, seeing as the film debuted on March 30, 1990, but it will nevertheless serve as a wantonly retro moment for a certain generation that can recall the original film’s release as a seminal moment in childhood and for pop culture in general.
“We are excited to celebrate 30 years of a film that brings families together in a fun, entertaining and hilarious way,...
Fathom Events’ latest big screen retro release will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Renaissance reptiles’ iconic live-action feature, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set for a limited return run at select theaters on Thursday, November 5 and Saturday, November 7. Granted, said celebration will be a belated one, seeing as the film debuted on March 30, 1990, but it will nevertheless serve as a wantonly retro moment for a certain generation that can recall the original film’s release as a seminal moment in childhood and for pop culture in general.
“We are excited to celebrate 30 years of a film that brings families together in a fun, entertaining and hilarious way,...
- 11/2/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
Bottleneck Gallery, one of the best purveyors of pop culture art in the world, is back with a brand new set of art prints inspired by some of our favorite movies. Check out these pieces depicting interpretations of Ridley Scott’s Alien, Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Steve Barron’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, […]
The post ‘Alien’, ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, ‘Tmnt’, and Harley Quinn Get New Posters From Bottleneck Gallery appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Alien’, ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, ‘Tmnt’, and Harley Quinn Get New Posters From Bottleneck Gallery appeared first on /Film.
- 10/15/2020
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
The song was recorded in two versions and went through three releases, and the video was done twice, but A-ha’s classic 1985 music video for Take On Me has now passed the one billion views mark on YouTube.
The Norwegian group’s biggest hit and one of the staples of early MTV took wings thanks to the vision of Warner Bros. executive Jeff Ayeroff, who came up with the video’s concept, and video director Steve Barron.
The video features the band in a live action and pencil-sketch sequence called rotoscoping in which the live action footage is traced over frame-by-frame to give the characters realistic movements. Approximately 3,000 frames were rotoscoped, a process that took 16 weeks.
The video went on to win six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. A-ha joins Guns N’ Roses (November Rain) and Queen (Bohemian Rhapsody) in the billion-views club for videos on YouTube.
Take...
The Norwegian group’s biggest hit and one of the staples of early MTV took wings thanks to the vision of Warner Bros. executive Jeff Ayeroff, who came up with the video’s concept, and video director Steve Barron.
The video features the band in a live action and pencil-sketch sequence called rotoscoping in which the live action footage is traced over frame-by-frame to give the characters realistic movements. Approximately 3,000 frames were rotoscoped, a process that took 16 weeks.
The video went on to win six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. A-ha joins Guns N’ Roses (November Rain) and Queen (Bohemian Rhapsody) in the billion-views club for videos on YouTube.
Take...
- 2/20/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
A-ha has unveiled a 4k restoration of their revolutionary rotoscoped video for their Eighties smash “Take on Me.”
A-ha famously released two versions of “Take on Me” and two videos for the song. The first arrived in 1984, and the second appeared on the Norwegian outfit’s 1985 debut album, Hunting High and Low. The video for the second version of the song was directed by Steve Barron and used rotoscoping — a mix of live-action and pencil animation — to tell a fantastical love story.
As a press release for the 4k version of “Take on Me” notes,...
A-ha famously released two versions of “Take on Me” and two videos for the song. The first arrived in 1984, and the second appeared on the Norwegian outfit’s 1985 debut album, Hunting High and Low. The video for the second version of the song was directed by Steve Barron and used rotoscoping — a mix of live-action and pencil animation — to tell a fantastical love story.
As a press release for the 4k version of “Take on Me” notes,...
- 12/30/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
In this week’s jam-packed International TV Newswire, Variety catches you up on HBO’s first Danish original series “Kamikaze,” the first deal between ViacomCBS-owned broadcasters since the merger, David Tennant’s upcoming 80-day global circumnavigation, an un-scripted deal between Japan’s Nippon TV and the U.K.’s The Story Lab. Also on the mix: Eccho Rights’ newest global pickup from Sweden, U.K. Creative Content Eis Fund’s first investment, and the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize’s jury announcement.
HBO Europe Announces First Danish Original Series
For HBO it’s always been about quality, not quantity, so it’s no surprise that HBO Europe has enlisted an all-star team for its first Danish original series, “Kamikaze.” The series will be directed by “Borgen” director Annette K. Olesen and executive produced by Hanne Palmquist, and Steve Matthews and Antony Root.
Based on the novel “Muleum” by Norwegian writer Erlend Loe,...
HBO Europe Announces First Danish Original Series
For HBO it’s always been about quality, not quantity, so it’s no surprise that HBO Europe has enlisted an all-star team for its first Danish original series, “Kamikaze.” The series will be directed by “Borgen” director Annette K. Olesen and executive produced by Hanne Palmquist, and Steve Matthews and Antony Root.
Based on the novel “Muleum” by Norwegian writer Erlend Loe,...
- 12/6/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
David Tennant as Doctor Who.
David Tennant will play explorer Phileas Fogg in a big-budgeted TV adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in 80 Days co-commissioned by the Seven Network.
Set to shoot in South Africa and Romania in February, the eight-part drama is from the UK-based Slim Film + Television, which is majority-owned by Seven West Media.
Following an outrageous bet, Fogg and his valet Passepartout (French actor Ibrahim Koma) embark in 1872 on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days.
They are joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix (The Crown’s Leonie Benesch), who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story.
Steve Barron (The Durrells) will be lead director with Charles Beeson (The Mentalist) lined up to direct a number of episodes. The writing team includes Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine).
Budgeted at about €3 million ($4.7 million) per episode,...
David Tennant will play explorer Phileas Fogg in a big-budgeted TV adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in 80 Days co-commissioned by the Seven Network.
Set to shoot in South Africa and Romania in February, the eight-part drama is from the UK-based Slim Film + Television, which is majority-owned by Seven West Media.
Following an outrageous bet, Fogg and his valet Passepartout (French actor Ibrahim Koma) embark in 1872 on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days.
They are joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix (The Crown’s Leonie Benesch), who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story.
Steve Barron (The Durrells) will be lead director with Charles Beeson (The Mentalist) lined up to direct a number of episodes. The writing team includes Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine).
Budgeted at about €3 million ($4.7 million) per episode,...
- 12/4/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: David Tennant is to play explorer Phileas Fogg in an adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in 80 Days.
The Doctor Who and Broadchurch star is fronting the eight-part drama, which is produced by Slim Film + Television.
Following an outrageous bet, Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, played by rising French actor Ibrahim Koma, take on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days, swiftly joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix, played by The Crown’s Leonie Benesch, who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story.
The series is being adapted by writers including Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine) and filming is set to start in February 2020 principally in South Africa and Romania ahead of its launch at the end of 2020.
Steve Barron (The Durrells) will be lead director with Charles Beeson (The Mentalist) also lined...
The Doctor Who and Broadchurch star is fronting the eight-part drama, which is produced by Slim Film + Television.
Following an outrageous bet, Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, played by rising French actor Ibrahim Koma, take on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days, swiftly joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix, played by The Crown’s Leonie Benesch, who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story.
The series is being adapted by writers including Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine) and filming is set to start in February 2020 principally in South Africa and Romania ahead of its launch at the end of 2020.
Steve Barron (The Durrells) will be lead director with Charles Beeson (The Mentalist) also lined...
- 12/4/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Magne Furuholmen, the keyboardist and co-songwriter for Norwegian synthpop band A-ha, has responded to a recent re-election video for President Donald Trump that visually borrows from the group’s classic video for “Take on Me.”
“You write a song in your youth and you don’t write for a particular group of people one way or another; you write it for everyone. But then stuff like this happens,” Furuholmen tells Rolling Stone.
The video for “Take on Me,” released in 1985 and directed by renowned British videographer Steve Barron, became famous...
“You write a song in your youth and you don’t write for a particular group of people one way or another; you write it for everyone. But then stuff like this happens,” Furuholmen tells Rolling Stone.
The video for “Take on Me,” released in 1985 and directed by renowned British videographer Steve Barron, became famous...
- 10/1/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
On the heels of other successful music-oriented non-fiction titles, Sony Pictures Classics’ David Crosby: Remember My Name opens in New York and Los Angeles this weekend. The doc, spotlighting the long-time rocker, headlines a fairly busy weekend of new Specialties making their debuts. Freestyle Releasing is going day and date with aging superhero feature Supervised, starring Tom Berenger, Beau Bridges and Louis Gossett Jr., while Breaking Glass Pictures is heading out with Tokyo-set gangster thriller She’s Just a Shadow. A thriller set overseas is Screen Media’s Berlinale 2018 title, Luz, which opens Friday in New York and L.A.
Other limited release debuts include Martin Bell’s doc Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell at Metrograph in New York, along with his 1984 doc Streetwise that introduced the real-life Tiny decades ago. Also heading out is Karlovy Vary Film Festival prize winner I Do Not Care If We Go...
Other limited release debuts include Martin Bell’s doc Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell at Metrograph in New York, along with his 1984 doc Streetwise that introduced the real-life Tiny decades ago. Also heading out is Karlovy Vary Film Festival prize winner I Do Not Care If We Go...
- 7/19/2019
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
This year has been awash with nostalgia for the final year of the Sixties and the end of the 20th Century (a.k.a. 1999), but Stranger Things is bringing the Eighties back in a, like, totally major way. The upcoming third season of the hit Netflix series (set to premiere July 4th on the streaming service) finds the Hawkins, Indiana crew navigating adolescence, as well as a paranormal phenomenon or two, over their school vacation in 1985. Aside from the near constant supernatural threats, we have to admit we envy them.
- 7/1/2019
- by Jordan Runtagh
- Rollingstone.com
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