Exclusive: The co-chairman of Independent Talent Group, the UK agency that reps Claire Foy and Daniel Craig, has stepped back from his management role, with three agents joining its board.
Paul Lyon-Maris, who has repped the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Derek Jacobi, is no longer a director of the firm but will remain as an agent within the company, Deadline is told.
Lyon-Maris is being replaced on the board by a trio of agents: Jessica Sykes, Jane Epstein and Paul Stevens. Founder Duncan Heath remains as Chairman and MD Sally Long-Innes is Co-Chair.
“I am delighted to welcome Jane, Paul and Jess to the board,” Heath, who has been running Independent under its current name for more than 15 years, told Deadline.
Independent is a big player in the UK agency space, with a client roster including established actors such as Jodie Comer, Lennie James and Elisabeth Moss, as well...
Paul Lyon-Maris, who has repped the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Derek Jacobi, is no longer a director of the firm but will remain as an agent within the company, Deadline is told.
Lyon-Maris is being replaced on the board by a trio of agents: Jessica Sykes, Jane Epstein and Paul Stevens. Founder Duncan Heath remains as Chairman and MD Sally Long-Innes is Co-Chair.
“I am delighted to welcome Jane, Paul and Jess to the board,” Heath, who has been running Independent under its current name for more than 15 years, told Deadline.
Independent is a big player in the UK agency space, with a client roster including established actors such as Jodie Comer, Lennie James and Elisabeth Moss, as well...
- 4/19/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’s note: Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age writer Julian Fellowes has written a heartfelt salute to his friend and colleague, the producer Ileen Maisel, who died in London on February 16 aged 68.
Ileen Maisel was born in Los Angeles, California, where she was raised. In fact, her father had moved there from Alabama to work in retail sales, so she had no immediate help with a career in show business, but it was clearly enough that she breathed the same air as the great filmmakers of the past and present. It is no surprise to learn that by the age of 15 she was working for the entertainment journalist Rona Barrett.
From then on, she embraced, bathed in, and generally loved the film industry until the end of her life. There was never much doubt as to where she was headed and she was still young when she entered the industry.
Ileen Maisel was born in Los Angeles, California, where she was raised. In fact, her father had moved there from Alabama to work in retail sales, so she had no immediate help with a career in show business, but it was clearly enough that she breathed the same air as the great filmmakers of the past and present. It is no surprise to learn that by the age of 15 she was working for the entertainment journalist Rona Barrett.
From then on, she embraced, bathed in, and generally loved the film industry until the end of her life. There was never much doubt as to where she was headed and she was still young when she entered the industry.
- 3/26/2024
- by Julian Fellowes
- Deadline Film + TV
Luc Besson To EP ‘Rainbow Warrior’ Feature Doc
Luc Besson is exec producing a feature documentary exploring the stranger-than-fiction tale of the bombing of the iconic ship Rainbow Warrior, which is in the works with Doscville Studios, Gnz, EuropaCorp and Expanded Media. Pre-sales to Dr, Svt and Nrk have already been struck for Rainbow Warrior and a streamer and UK broadcast partner will soon be announced. The feature charts happenings in 1985 when two bombs exploded in the port of Auckland, New Zealand, sinking the ship of a small environmental group in the dead of night. Investigators initially suspected terrorists but quickly uncovered a trail of clues that lead directly to the French secret service. “This story is more relevant than ever with the seemingly constant threat of nuclear war and the environmental crusade that many young people will consider their life’s mission,” said director Edward McGurn. Besson is an...
Luc Besson is exec producing a feature documentary exploring the stranger-than-fiction tale of the bombing of the iconic ship Rainbow Warrior, which is in the works with Doscville Studios, Gnz, EuropaCorp and Expanded Media. Pre-sales to Dr, Svt and Nrk have already been struck for Rainbow Warrior and a streamer and UK broadcast partner will soon be announced. The feature charts happenings in 1985 when two bombs exploded in the port of Auckland, New Zealand, sinking the ship of a small environmental group in the dead of night. Investigators initially suspected terrorists but quickly uncovered a trail of clues that lead directly to the French secret service. “This story is more relevant than ever with the seemingly constant threat of nuclear war and the environmental crusade that many young people will consider their life’s mission,” said director Edward McGurn. Besson is an...
- 11/6/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Thursday night featured an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the scenes who put people on the screens. The Casting Society of America announced the winners of the 36th Artios Awards, recognizing the best casting efforts in feature films, television, and theatre. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown, it was the first virtual ceremony effort from the organization, as Hollywood continues to make adjustments in light of the ongoing pandemic.
It was also a big night for TV shows a little longer in the tooth, as many of the awards went to series that were already in competition for the 2020 Emmy Awards, meaning that the winners will have little, if any, insight as to this year’s Emmy race. That said, wins for “Normal People,” “Succession,” and “What We Do in the Shadows” are always as welcome as they are well-deserved.
On the film side, two Best Picture nominees were Artios victors,...
It was also a big night for TV shows a little longer in the tooth, as many of the awards went to series that were already in competition for the 2020 Emmy Awards, meaning that the winners will have little, if any, insight as to this year’s Emmy race. That said, wins for “Normal People,” “Succession,” and “What We Do in the Shadows” are always as welcome as they are well-deserved.
On the film side, two Best Picture nominees were Artios victors,...
- 4/16/2021
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Two films starring Sacha Baron Cohen, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” were among the film winners at the Casting Society of America’s 36th annual Artios Awards, which were presented on Thursday evening in a virtual ceremony hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown.
“Borat” won in the big-budget comedy category, while “Chicago 7” won for big-budget drama.
In other film categories, the award for casting studio or independent films went to “The 40-Year-Old Version” for comedy and “One Night in Miami” for drama. “Minari” won the award for a low-budget film, while “The Surrogate” won for micro budget. “Soul” won the award for casting an animated film.
Television winners included “The Great,” “Euphoria,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Succession” and “Normal People.”
Awards for theater, which was closed for most of 2020, included the Broadway shows “Slave Play,” “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” and “A Soldier’s Play.
“Borat” won in the big-budget comedy category, while “Chicago 7” won for big-budget drama.
In other film categories, the award for casting studio or independent films went to “The 40-Year-Old Version” for comedy and “One Night in Miami” for drama. “Minari” won the award for a low-budget film, while “The Surrogate” won for micro budget. “Soul” won the award for casting an animated film.
Television winners included “The Great,” “Euphoria,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Succession” and “Normal People.”
Awards for theater, which was closed for most of 2020, included the Broadway shows “Slave Play,” “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” and “A Soldier’s Play.
- 4/16/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Hilary Heath, the star opposite Vincent Price in a series of American International Pictures horror films, died last week of Covid-19 complications. She was 74 and her death was confirmed by a post from her godson, Alex Williams, on Facebook.
Heath, a British actress, appeared in the films Witchfinder General, The Oblong Box and Cry of the Banshee as a mistress, daughter and wife foil to Price.
More from DeadlineDiane Rodriguez Dies: Actress, Playwright, Director, Producer In La Theater Was 58Nobuhiko Obayashi Dies: Influential Japanese Filmmaker Succumbs To Cancer At Age 82.Charles Gregory Ross Dies Of Covid-19: Ava DuVernay, Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, Viola Davis And More Pay Tribute To Legendary Hairstylist
Her resume includes Ted Kotcheff’s Two Gentlemen Sharing (1969), and in a 1970 adaptation of Wuthering Heights featuring Timothy Dalton, wherein she portrayed Isabella.
Heath became a producer after retiring from acting, producing Mike Newell’s An Awfully Big Adventure...
Heath, a British actress, appeared in the films Witchfinder General, The Oblong Box and Cry of the Banshee as a mistress, daughter and wife foil to Price.
More from DeadlineDiane Rodriguez Dies: Actress, Playwright, Director, Producer In La Theater Was 58Nobuhiko Obayashi Dies: Influential Japanese Filmmaker Succumbs To Cancer At Age 82.Charles Gregory Ross Dies Of Covid-19: Ava DuVernay, Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, Viola Davis And More Pay Tribute To Legendary Hairstylist
Her resume includes Ted Kotcheff’s Two Gentlemen Sharing (1969), and in a 1970 adaptation of Wuthering Heights featuring Timothy Dalton, wherein she portrayed Isabella.
Heath became a producer after retiring from acting, producing Mike Newell’s An Awfully Big Adventure...
- 4/11/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Hilary Heath, the British actress and producer who starred opposite Vincent Price in the American International Pictures horror films Witchfinder General, The Oblong Box and Cry of the Banshee, has died. She was 74.
Dwyer died March 30 of complications from Covid-19, her godson, Alex Williams, wrote on Facebook.
After retiring from acting, Heath produced Mike Newell's An Awfully Big Adventure (1995), starring Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and Nil by Mouth (1997), written and directed by Gary Oldman.
She was married to talent agent Duncan Heath from 1974 until their 1989 divorce, and they launched the agency Duncan Heath Associates,...
Dwyer died March 30 of complications from Covid-19, her godson, Alex Williams, wrote on Facebook.
After retiring from acting, Heath produced Mike Newell's An Awfully Big Adventure (1995), starring Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and Nil by Mouth (1997), written and directed by Gary Oldman.
She was married to talent agent Duncan Heath from 1974 until their 1989 divorce, and they launched the agency Duncan Heath Associates,...
- 4/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hilary Heath, the British actress and producer who starred opposite Vincent Price in the American International Pictures horror films Witchfinder General, The Oblong Box and Cry of the Banshee, has died. She was 74.
Dwyer died March 30 of complications from Covid-19, her godson, Alex Williams, wrote on Facebook.
After retiring from acting, Heath produced Mike Newell's An Awfully Big Adventure (1995), starring Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and Nil by Mouth (1997), written and directed by Gary Oldman.
She was married to talent agent Duncan Heath from 1974 until their 1989 divorce, and they launched the agency Duncan Heath Associates,...
Dwyer died March 30 of complications from Covid-19, her godson, Alex Williams, wrote on Facebook.
After retiring from acting, Heath produced Mike Newell's An Awfully Big Adventure (1995), starring Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and Nil by Mouth (1997), written and directed by Gary Oldman.
She was married to talent agent Duncan Heath from 1974 until their 1989 divorce, and they launched the agency Duncan Heath Associates,...
- 4/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Zhongze China-uk Film Fund has signed a strategic partnership with Smg Pictures, which kicks off with London-set comedy Special Couple.
Zhongze will help facilitate the project’s UK shoot including access to local cast and crew.
Fully financed by Smg Pictures, the Chinese-language project tells the story of two Chinese male friends living in London – one a medical student and the other an illegal immigrant – who pretend to be a couple so they can both stay in the UK.
Creative talent on the film includes director-producer Huang Jianxin and script supervisor Su Huan. Smg Pictures is the film production...
Zhongze will help facilitate the project’s UK shoot including access to local cast and crew.
Fully financed by Smg Pictures, the Chinese-language project tells the story of two Chinese male friends living in London – one a medical student and the other an illegal immigrant – who pretend to be a couple so they can both stay in the UK.
Creative talent on the film includes director-producer Huang Jianxin and script supervisor Su Huan. Smg Pictures is the film production...
- 6/14/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Fund backed by Zhongze Asset Management and Varcale Capital Management partners with four UK companies.
The China-uk Film Fund, backed by Zhongze Asset Management and Varcale Capital Management, has formed strategic partnerships with four UK companies, including Duncan Heath’s Independent Talent Group (Itg).
The new fund – which has closed seed funding of $72m (£50m) – has also pacted with media technology company Distrify Media and UK production companies BB88 and Youniverse.
With the fund’s support, Itg is planning to establish an office in Beijing that will manage Chinese talent and provide a platform to elevate Chinese stars to a wider global audience.
“We’ll be looking at management of TV writers, music and sports talent in addition to film,” Heath told Screen at an event in Beijing to announce the partnerships. “We’re also here to learn and find it reassuring that a Chinese entity has invited a British company to get involved in the...
The China-uk Film Fund, backed by Zhongze Asset Management and Varcale Capital Management, has formed strategic partnerships with four UK companies, including Duncan Heath’s Independent Talent Group (Itg).
The new fund – which has closed seed funding of $72m (£50m) – has also pacted with media technology company Distrify Media and UK production companies BB88 and Youniverse.
With the fund’s support, Itg is planning to establish an office in Beijing that will manage Chinese talent and provide a platform to elevate Chinese stars to a wider global audience.
“We’ll be looking at management of TV writers, music and sports talent in addition to film,” Heath told Screen at an event in Beijing to announce the partnerships. “We’re also here to learn and find it reassuring that a Chinese entity has invited a British company to get involved in the...
- 4/21/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: UTA has just signed Wayne Blair, who made his feature directorial debut with The Sapphires. It’s the first U.S. representation for the Australian filmmaker whose musical premiered at Cannes. The Weinstein Company bought U.S. distribution and select worldwide rights from the producers, Goalpost Pictures, shortly before that festival opened. The film just played Telluride and will screen at Toronto tomorrow. Based on a true story, The Sapphires follows four singers from the Australian Outback who are brought to Vietnam by their manager (Chris O’Dowd) to perform for U.S. troops in 1968. Related: Weinstein Clarifies ‘Sapphires’ Remarks, Best Actor Race Heats Up On Stormy Sunday In Cannes The film is already a box office hit in Australia, grossing over $10 million so far. Blair, who began his career as an actor and theatre director, continues to be represented by his long-time Australian agent Jean Mostyn of The...
- 9/8/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Octavia Spencer (left), Brunson Green, and Michael Barnathan
Arriving in London after barely a wink of sleep on the plane wasn’t a great start to our BAFTA trip. In order to adjust to the time change as quickly as possible, my Head of Development, Charlsey Adkins, and I pounded coffee as soon as we arrived at Claridges. It’s this great, old school English hotel where service is impeccable and you feel obligated to be on your best behavior.
Arriving in London after barely a wink of sleep on the plane wasn’t a great start to our BAFTA trip. In order to adjust to the time change as quickly as possible, my Head of Development, Charlsey Adkins, and I pounded coffee as soon as we arrived at Claridges. It’s this great, old school English hotel where service is impeccable and you feel obligated to be on your best behavior.
- 2/16/2012
- by Brunson Green
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
I’d heard a few months ago that London tenpercenter Duncan Heath and investor Ron Burkle were talking. But when it comes to the agent, that’s all he ever does is talk, talk, talk. He’s been looking for a financial rescuer for his Independent Talent Group (aka Independent Talent Agency, formerly ICM-uk) for seemingly forever — something Heath’s own statement accompanying today’s news readily admits. Frankly, I washed my hands of Heath a long time ago after he flunked my truthfulness test. So now he and Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies have consummated a deal. Exactly how Burkle is picking his showbiz partners remains a real mystery to me and others. Ryan Kavanaugh? Duncan Heath? Who’s next — James Robinson? Elie Samaha? David Bergstein?...
- 2/8/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline TV
Update: Duncan Heath responds to what I wrote: “So I guess you don’t like me. That’s Ok. On a personal level, one probably has to bite the bullet — that’s just life. But I cannot keep quiet when it involves Independent Talent and its finances. The company did not need a ‘financial rescuer’ and never has. The finances of the company are incredibly robust. As our press release clearly states, we want to expand the business, and Yucaipa and Ron Burkle are going to help us do just that.” Previous: I’d heard a few months ago that London tenpercenter Duncan Heath and investor Ron Burkle were talking. But when it comes to the agent, that’s all he ever does is talk, talk, talk. He’s been looking for a financial rescuer for his Independent Talent Group (aka Independent Talent Agency, formerly ICM-uk) for seemingly forever — something...
- 2/8/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Exclusive: The UK-based Independent Talent group of companies has formed Black Label Productions, a joint venture company between Duncan Heath’s Independent Talent Brands, Oliver Hicks and Dom Freeman. The venture is a London-based commercials production company that will plug feature helmers into into commercial campaigns. The Black Label stable includes Matthew Vaughn, Martin Campbell, Rupert Wyatt, John Cameron Mitchell, Ben Gutteridge, Saint & Mather, Tim Pope, Ruairi Robinson, Julien Temple, Pete Travis and Malcolm Venville, Johan Renck. Black Label reps Venville, Renck and Campbell in the UK only. “Black Label will provide a creative outlet for film directors to explore their talent in an alternative medium,” said Independent Talent chairman Heath. ‘’Because commercial spots have evolved in recent years, with the advent of new technology and the concept of short film campaigns, directors can really play in this arena with innovative results.” Black Label kicks-off with a duo of campaigns...
- 12/14/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
'I don't like other actors much – they're mostly insecure and needy. I can't bear that "luvvy darling" thing'
What got you started?
Real ale. When I was 15 I joined the Glasgow Youth Theatre. After one of the first sessions, we went along to a pub in the Gorbals, where we were allowed to sit and drink in a secret snug behind the bar. I thought, if this is what acting's all about, make mine a double.
What was your big breakthrough?
Gregory's Girl was the start of it all. But equally important for me was doing my first musical, She Loves Me, in 1995 – I discovered the joy of singing.
What have you sacrificed for your art?
Living in Scotland. My first agent, Duncan Heath, told me I needed to move to London to make my career work. I was 18 when I moved, and I didn't tell my mum and dad.
What got you started?
Real ale. When I was 15 I joined the Glasgow Youth Theatre. After one of the first sessions, we went along to a pub in the Gorbals, where we were allowed to sit and drink in a secret snug behind the bar. I thought, if this is what acting's all about, make mine a double.
What was your big breakthrough?
Gregory's Girl was the start of it all. But equally important for me was doing my first musical, She Loves Me, in 1995 – I discovered the joy of singing.
What have you sacrificed for your art?
Living in Scotland. My first agent, Duncan Heath, told me I needed to move to London to make my career work. I was 18 when I moved, and I didn't tell my mum and dad.
- 1/31/2011
- by Laura Barnett
- The Guardian - Film News
You just want the raw facts? Without any fancy interactivity? You've come to the right place
• Datablog: download the full list as a spreadsheet
1) James Cameron
Director: Avatar, Titanic
2) Steven Spielberg
Director: Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, Et: The Extra Terrestrial
Producer: Letters From Iwo Jima, Flags of Our Fathers
3) Leonardo DiCaprio
Actor: Inception, Shutter Island, Titanic
4) John Lasseter
Director: Toy Story, Toy Story 2
Chief creative officer: Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios
5) Brad Pitt
Actor: Inglourious Basterds, The Assassination of Jesse James by the
Coward Robert Ford
Producer: Kick-Ass, A Mighty Heart, The Departed
6) Christopher Nolan
Director: Inception, The Dark Knight
7) Scott Rudin
Producer: No Country for Old Men, The Queen, The Truman Show
8) Quentin Tarantino
Director: Inglourious Basterds, Pulp Fiction
9) George Clooney
Actor: Michael Clayton, Ocean's Eleven
Director: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Good Night, and Good Luck
10) Ed Vaizey
Politician: Minister for culture, communications and creative...
• Datablog: download the full list as a spreadsheet
1) James Cameron
Director: Avatar, Titanic
2) Steven Spielberg
Director: Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, Et: The Extra Terrestrial
Producer: Letters From Iwo Jima, Flags of Our Fathers
3) Leonardo DiCaprio
Actor: Inception, Shutter Island, Titanic
4) John Lasseter
Director: Toy Story, Toy Story 2
Chief creative officer: Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios
5) Brad Pitt
Actor: Inglourious Basterds, The Assassination of Jesse James by the
Coward Robert Ford
Producer: Kick-Ass, A Mighty Heart, The Departed
6) Christopher Nolan
Director: Inception, The Dark Knight
7) Scott Rudin
Producer: No Country for Old Men, The Queen, The Truman Show
8) Quentin Tarantino
Director: Inglourious Basterds, Pulp Fiction
9) George Clooney
Actor: Michael Clayton, Ocean's Eleven
Director: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Good Night, and Good Luck
10) Ed Vaizey
Politician: Minister for culture, communications and creative...
- 9/24/2010
- by Peter Bradshaw, Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
VENICE, Italy -- Veteran agent and ICM chairman U.K. Duncan Heath will unveil plans to rebrand his U.K. agency empire under the moniker Independent.
Heath, in Venice for the festival's 64th edition, will unveil the banner name for his operations over the weekend here, sources said.
The move follows Heath's management buyout in 2002 of ICM's operations in the U.K., and the name change is being billed as "the final piece in the jigsaw" for Heath and Co.'s agency activities in the U.K.
The new-look Independent will encompass all of ICM's current activities and incorporate several branches including a modeling agency, literary arm and television presenters branch.
Nothing other than the name will change, insiders said.
Heath, in Venice for the festival's 64th edition, will unveil the banner name for his operations over the weekend here, sources said.
The move follows Heath's management buyout in 2002 of ICM's operations in the U.K., and the name change is being billed as "the final piece in the jigsaw" for Heath and Co.'s agency activities in the U.K.
The new-look Independent will encompass all of ICM's current activities and incorporate several branches including a modeling agency, literary arm and television presenters branch.
Nothing other than the name will change, insiders said.
- 8/31/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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