http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/ ScreenEast - News http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/images/logo.gif http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=109#item_109 http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=109#item_109 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=108#item_108
The DCMS said that the main activities carried out by the UK Film Council, which currently has an annual budget of £15m to invest in British film and employs 75 staff, would continue through other organisations. Mr Hunt said he wanted to establish "a direct and less bureaucratic relationship with the British Film Institute" and that Government and Lottery support for film would continue.

In a statement John Woodward, CEO of the UK Film Council, called the proposal "short-sighted and potentially very damaging, especially as there is at present no roadmap setting out where the UK Film Council's responsibilities and funding will be placed in the future".

Film producer Tim Bevan, who chairs the council, said: "Abolishing the most successful film support organisation the UK has ever had is a bad decision, imposed without any consultation or evaluation. People will rightly look back on today's announcement and say it was a big mistake, driven by short-term thinking and political expediency. British film, which is one of the UK's more successful growth industries, deserves better."

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=108#item_108 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=107#item_107 American Academy to select the UK’s submission for consideration for the Foreign
Language Film Award at the 83rd American Academy Awards in 2011.
Eligible films must have been released in the UK for at least seven consecutive days to a
public paying audience beginning no earlier than 1 October 2009 and no later than 30
September 2010. No television or online transmission may have occurred before the film’s
theatrical release.
There is no requirement for entries to be in a language indigenous to the UK or to be set in
the UK. The dialogue must be predominantly in a language or languages other than
English and accurate English subtitles are required. Creative control of the motion picture
must have been largely in the hands of citizens of the UK. For full rules go to www.oscars.org/rules
Producers and distributors should notify BAFTA by email to nickw@bafta.org of their
intention to submit a film by Monday 16 August.]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=107#item_107 Wed, 7 Jul 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=103#item_103
Chris Dundon's film Bro will be one of 170 short films shown at Rushes Soho Shorts in London later this month.

Set around the Vauxhall Street area of Norwich, the 18-minute film tells the story of Simon whose brother has a form of autism and how he copes with his sibling's condition.

The film has gained global recognition and has already been screened in Beverly Hills and won a 'special mention' from the jury at the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen - one of the oldest and most renowned film festivals in the world.

Mr Dundon, 27, from Hertfordshire, who has worked with a number of filmmakers from Norwich on the film, said: “I fell in love with Vauxhall Street and the surrounding area.

“When people think of Norwich, they don't think of the urban side of it and I thought it was the perfect location for the story so we went ahead and filmed there.

“We filmed around the Vauxhall Street area, at the basketball courts and along the A11.”

Mr Dundon teamed up with Norwich-based producer Jonathan Blagrove, who lives in Swansea Road, to create the film, which was commissioned by Screen East.

Ahead of the Rushes Soho Shorts screening on July 24, for which Bro has been shortlisted for the long form award, the film was premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in April and was screened at the 36th Seattle International Film Festival and the 23rd Singapore International Film Festival.

The cast includes Ellie Paskell, who played Maxine in BBC series Waterloo Road.

Mr Dundon, who took inspiration from a school friend's own experience with an autistic sibling, added: “It's been my first commissioned short and it's incredible how well it's done. I didn't expect it to get into Beverly Hills at all and the Seattle festival is huge in the States.”

A film co-directed by Norwich graduate Jon Dunleavy, who studied at what was then called the Norwich School of Art and Design, has also been shortlisted for Rushes Soho Shorts.

Crash Bang Wallow is a bittersweet comic tale of an ex-stuntman Larry LeTan and his rise and fall from Hollywood infamy.

The festival will be held from July 21 to 30.

For more information about the festival, go to www.sohoshorts.com]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=103#item_103 Wed, 7 Jul 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=104#item_104
Applications are now open for Docs 360, a 9-month development programme and competition for documentary filmmakers who want to use cross-platform strategies to develop, finance, market and distribute their film. The programme is backed by Skillset’s Film Skills Fund, digital marketing agency Channel D and leading UK distributor Dogwoof and run by Initialize Films and the Digital Filmmakers’ Network.

To apply and for more information please go to www.docs360.co.uk

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=104#item_104 Mon, 5 Jul 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=98#item_98
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=98#item_98 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=102#item_102
This year also sees the launch of Zoom Focus which gives previous Zoom awardees the opportunity to win £4,000 as well as production and post production support.

Please visit http://www.bslbt.co.uk/zoom/ for guidelines and application form.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=102#item_102 Wed, 9 Jun 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=100#item_100
Small businesses in the creative industries can benefit from the experience and advice of a qualified management practitioner to assist them in building and administering their businesses.

This program is intended to assist small and start-up businesses through contact with an experienced mentor through meetings, phone and email.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from eligible businesses - if you are would like to find out more about the program or to apply, please email claire@screeneast.co.uk.]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=100#item_100 Tue, 1 Jun 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=99#item_99
Industry professionals are invited to spend up to a month working with Screen East’s Head of Business and Talent Executive as they assess investment applications to their new Low Carbon Fund through to presentation to a greenlight panel.

The process involves assessing applications across a range of criteria especially focusing on creative content and commerciality.

This is a rare opportunity for our colleagues in the North Sea regions of mainland Europe to learn and experience the critical process of investment appraisal of feature film projects.

Screen East cannot offer any funding for individuals choosing to participate in this program but could assist practically in other ways e.g. finding accommodation.

For further information about the program, please contact David Wilkinson or email d.wilkinson@screeneast.co.uk.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=99#item_99 Fri, 21 May 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=95#item_95 http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=95#item_95 Mon, 10 May 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=93#item_93 Ridley Scott’s medieval epic Robin Hood, which filmed on location in Hertfordshire, has the honour of opening the 63rd Cannes Film Festival this year and is released nationwide on May 14th

Oscar winner Russell Crowe stars as the legendary crusader of the people, Robin Hood, whose exploits have long been immortalised on the silver screen. Set in 13th century England, Robin (Russell Crowe) and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown. Robin must also win the affection of the recently widowed Lady Marian (Cate Blanchett) while leading his Merry Men of Sherwood Forest to victory and fairness. The film reunites English director Ridley Scott and Hollywood great Russell Crowe whose previous collaborations include multi Oscar award winning Gladiator.

The National Trust’s Ashridge Estate located in Dacorum Borough of Hertfordshire on the edge of the Chiltern Hills took a starring role in the Hollywood epic. Extensive scenes were filmed at Thunderdell Wood, a 17th Century plantation featuring a range of mature trees where the woodland depicted the road to London. A medieval farmstead was also constructed to film scenes where Robin and his Merry Men stopped to ask directions. A field in the park immediately adjacent to the wood was used to house an enormous unit base of over 600 cast and crew who were on location at the Ashridge Estate for four months, equating to six days worth of shooting.

Graeme Cannon, Property Manager at Ashridge Estate, said: “The income the filming generated to the property was very important, however it was also great fun and hard work to be involved in such a major production with such a high profile director and cast”.

The film friendliness and diverse range of locations available in the East of England means that Hollywood blockbusters such as Robin Hood are regularly filming on location in the region. Screen East, the regional screen agency for the East of England, estimates £38.5 million has been generated in the regional economy during 2009/10 as a result of film and television location filming, which includes films such as Robin Hood, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part I, Inception and Gulliver’s Travels, all of which are due for release later this year.

Kerry Ixer, Head of Locations and Inward Investment at Screen East, said: “Despite the challenging environment for television, which has had an impact on location filming activity in some areas, feature film is alive and well. This has resulted in a record year for location filming in 2009/10 giving local East of England businesses a valuable economic boost through location fees and the purchase of local skills and services”.

Robin Hood is the latest release to feature on Scene on Screen – www.sceneonscreen.co.uk – an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes in the East of England. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the region have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and now Robin Hood!
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=93#item_93 Thu, 6 May 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=90#item_90
Find detailed information about the programme and the application process at:
http://www.birds-eye-view.co.uk or www.warp.net/films]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=90#item_90 Tue, 4 May 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=89#item_89 Jon Dunleavy and Keith Wilson Singer’s animation Crash! Bang! Wallow? Is in the final ten films shortlisted for the National Film Board of Cananda’s on line short film competition.
Now in its sixth year, the contest is organized by the National Film Board of Canada in collaboration with the Cannes Short Film Corner and in association with YouTube. It features ten short films from Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Iran, the United States, the Czech Republic, Algeria and Italy, selected from the numerous Short Film Corner entries. The Short Film Corner is the meeting place for young creators at the Cannes Film Festival, attracting entries from around the world. The ten films from last year’s contest were viewed close to 180,000 times on the NFB’s English and French YouTube channels.

May 4 to 17 is your chance to vote online for your favourite short among the finalists of the 6th NFB Short Film Contest – Cannes 2010. Just go to www.nfb.ca/cannes or www.youtube.com/nfb
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=89#item_89 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=82#item_82 Screen East Locations hosts a familiarisation visit to Essex for location managers in film & television.

Screen East led a familiarisation trip in March to showcase the wealth of locations available in west Essex to leading UK film and TV location managers. The visit illustrated how the county is not only an ideal destination for filming, but it also offers a genuine alternative for productions wanting to film close to the M25 and away from the expense of shooting in the capital.

In 2009/10, film and TV location filming was worth an estimated £2 million to the Essex economy. Essex County Council is keen to promote the county to upcoming productions and as such sponsor Screen East’s activities to encourage productions to come to Essex and film at the diverse locations available.

The familiarisation trip began at Tilbury Docks, with the cruise terminal and its magnificent art deco interiors, the 1920’s old station building and the passenger landing areas over The Thames proving a hit. The location managers were particularly impressed with the dockland areas themselves. This site is particularly film-friendly having featured in a variety of productions as a backdrop including 2005’s Batman Begins.

Next was Coalhouse Fort, which was also used in Batman Begins providing a double for a South East Asian prison. With its unique tunnel network and surrounding flat marshland landscape there is much scope for future filming possibilities. The tour continued to The Bata Factories which have dominated the town of East Tilbury for over 70 years and was where, along with the factory, a small town of Modernist style housing was constructed for its workers known locally as Bata-ville. As property developers convert or demolish old factory and office buildings these types of locations are becoming in short supply hence the site was included on the tour.

The Headley, an elegant 2 star Michelin pub situated in the picturesque corner of Headley Common, provided an ideal luncheon venue for the group as well as the potential for a future filming location. After lunch, the tour progressed to Hylands House, which doubled for the White House in 2004’s Chasing Liberty.

Then it was off to the woods for a tour of Epping Forest, hosted by the Corporation of London who pointed out locations in the forest which had successfully been used as filming locations in the past, including 2000’s Essex Boys. Epping Forest has previously offered a backdrop for a variety of both English and foreign landscapes given its diverse mix of wood and heathland.

The final location on the tour was a visit to Copped Hall, a well-preserved shell of what had been a fine Georgian mansion. Copped Hall also has an interesting network of underground cellars offering the potential for a unique filming backdrop. Previous filming at Copped Hall has included 2007’s Flyboys where a complex World War I shoot was accommodated.

Location managers attending the familiarisation trip said: “Fam trips provide Location Managers with invaluable information and contacts for future shoots” - Mick Ratman; “Filming in any area can be stressful. Screen East, with their specialist local knowledge, local council contacts and location database make the process so much easier, allowing for a more pleasant and efficient filming process. I look forward to returning to the area with another production soon” – Richard Godfrey; and “It’s always difficult to know when we are going to require a particular location but knowing what a county has to offer and that the region is film friendly, naturally puts it at the top of my research list. An excellent trip with lots of new locations” – Roland Caine.

Screen East has hosted previous familiarisation trips to Essex as well as other counties in the East of England. Kerry Ixer, Head of Locations at Screen East said, “Hosting familiarisation trips is one way in which Screen East can market the diverse locations available to filmmakers and show firsthand how film friendly the region is. A location manager’s job is to find the most suitable location to satisfy the director’s vision, a search that can take months of research and scouting. Our familiarisation trips aim to showcase hidden gems for future film related projects”.

Screen East is also a partner in the North Sea Screen Partners (NSSP), an activity funded under the Interreg IVB North Sea Region Programme, working towards strengthening the European digital content industry and ensuring the North Sea Region obtains a significant share of a dynamic and growing market. One of the partners’ objectives is to attract inward investment through film and television into the North Sea Region which includes Essex. It is therefore anticipated that this familiarisation visit will help encourage productions to film in the county.

Essex’s location filming show reel includes many other exciting films and television dramas such as Oscar winning ‘The Queen’, staring Helen Mirren who was born in Ilford in Essex, which filmed at London Southend Airport and Steven Spielberg’s ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ which was filmed at Tilbury Docks for the Venetian speedboat chase scene.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=82#item_82 Thu, 8 Apr 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=83#item_83
Out of 5,000 entries and against very stiff competition from around the world, Director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), who headed the Done in Sixty Seconds jury, awarded Director Mark Wong the Jameson Empire Award. Wong wrote, produced, directed, edited and starred in the £500 remake which was filmed on location in the East of England. Volleyball scenes were filmed in Norfolk near Walcott, Top Gun Naval Flying School scenes were filmed at RAF Alconbury in Cambridgeshire and the fighter jet scenes were shot at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. To achieve the true Top Gun look, Wong managed to get co-operation from the Public Affairs Office at RAF Lakenheath to allow him to film around a real United States Air Force F-15 fighter jet!

This is the first year that the competition was open to entries from Holland, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden and Turkey. However, this is the third time Wong has entered the competition having previously honed his skills on the mini blockbuster versions of Pearl Harbour and Speed. On winning his award, Wong said: “I’ve been doing this competition for three years now so you have no idea how much this means to me. I want to thank Jameson, Empire, Edgar and the guys for making the right decision as far as I’m concerned. I want to thank my co-director who got us access to a real fighter jet and made incredible things happen”.

The five finalists and fifteen shortlisted videos can be viewed online at www.empireonline.com/awards2010/donein60seconds/. Skillset is a proud partner of the Jameson Empire Awards: Done in Sixty Seconds competition. Keep an eye out for future news on entering the competition.

To find out what popular film and television programmes have filmed in the East of England please visit Scene on Screen – www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map which promotes the accessible locations. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well known war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the region have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.”
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=83#item_83 Thu, 1 Apr 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=80#item_80 • Experienced team appointed as gatekeepers of the Film Fund
• Producers to receive equity share of UK Film Council recoupment
• Tim Bevan to Chair Think Tank to identify ways to grow UK film companies of scale
• Most significant revision of UK Film Council activities in 10 years

LONDON – 1 April 2010: The UK Film Council today publishes its three year plan and launches its new £15m Film Fund. In developing the final plan, the UK Film Council spent three months consulting on the proposals, engaging with hundreds of people from across the film sector, facilitating more than a dozen consultation sessions and attracting almost 1,000 responses. The plan specifically:

• opens up for business a £15m-a-year Film Fund (topped up further by film recoupment) for emerging, experimental and world class filmmakers;
• ring-fences money for development;
• confirms production companies will for the first time automatically receive a significant share of the UK Film Council’s recoupment from all feature film investments they are involved in, following State Aid approval of the measure by the European Commission;
• sets up a think tank chaired by Tim Bevan to identify new policy initiatives to grow independent UK film companies of scale;
• proposes a national web-based talent showcase, to be launched in Autumn 2010, to unearth fresh talent and to broaden the diversity, reach and the opportunities available to all filmmakers who are keen to engage with one another in a national filmmaking community;
• confirms £5m is allocated to the new Innovation Fund, which will launch in Autumn 2010 (more details to follow);
• provides £500,000 for film exports for each year of the plan;
• confirms that 100% of recoupment from the Prints & Advertising Fund - which widens and supports the distribution of selected specialised films and British films - will, like the Film Fund, top up that fund’s budget.

Alongside this plan, the DCMS have been leading merger discussions between the UK Film Council and the BFI. These discussions have been underway since August 2009 and continue.

Launching UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence, Tim Bevan CBE, Chairman of the UK Film Council, said, “We’ve set out a renewed mission, a new set of priorities, and a new way of working. With the right level of support, a successful British film industry can continue to help get the UK out of recession, drive innovation and create more highly-skilled jobs. Further tough choices probably lie ahead, but having reduced our overheads by 20% and positively responded to the needs of British filmmakers we’re now in the best place we can be to support and promote UK film in the years ahead.”

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, announced that the new £15m-a-year Film Fund had opened its doors for business. Managed by a new team of experienced senior production and development executives, the fund has introduced a brand new online application process in which applicants will set out their creative and strategic visions for their film.

Woodward commented: “The new Film Fund’s primary focus is creative excellence. Tanya and her team will support filmmakers who want to put British filmmaking at the centre of our national culture and on the international map. The aim is for the Film Fund to attract the best talent, encourage creative risk taking, and deliver great films to audiences.

“Joining Tanya in the search for creative excellence will be a team of three Senior Production and Development Executives with an impressive and broad range of film industry expertise. Natascha Wharton, Lizzie Francke, and Chris Collins each have big production successes under their belts – together, it’s a team that will provide a wide range of expertise and tastes as well as a supportive, energetic and ambitious home for British filmmaking talent.

“The team will all work across the full range of projects in production and development, but individually they will also have specific responsibilities.”


• Natascha Wharton (starting 4 May 2010) will focus on development;

• Lizzie Francke will focus on experimental feature length films, national engagement and showcasing new talent;

• Chris Collins will focus on ideas for future film practices for both emerging and established filmmakers, from micro/low budget features and shorts, through to 3D blockbusters.

The Film Fund is open for applications from 1 April, but it will be presenting a more detailed strategy to the UK Film Council Board in the coming months. It has already been agreed that a portion of the £15m budget will be ring-fenced for development – although there will be no automatic assumption that projects developed will become films that the fund would then invest in at the production stage. The remaining budget will be safeguarded for the Film Fund’s own production investments. Further details will be announced in the coming months, in addition to details of the Film Fund’s non-London investment target and how the new online showcase will operate.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=80#item_80 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=79#item_79 http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=79#item_79 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=78#item_78
Do you know any young people who would like to see their film screened at Glastonbury?

The Village Screen project, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, is looking for a mix of inspiring, funny, original and challenging films from young film makers, aged 12 to 24, to show on our big screens (252m) at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2010.

Deadline for entries is Tuesday 4 May.

Please download the 'Calling all young filmmakers' document below for further information and an application form.

BBC Live Site and Screen East who are supporting this project in the East of England.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=78#item_78 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=77#item_77 Family comedy Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang which filmed on location in Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire, is released nationwide on Friday 26th March

In Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she’s needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heart warming fable that has enchanted children around the world. In the latest instalment, Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) appears at the door of a harried young mother, Mrs Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. It is down to Nanny McPhee to use her magic to teach the Green children and their two spoiled city cousin’s five new lessons.

The film is the sequel to 2005’s hugely popular Nanny McPhee. Filming took place on location at a private cottage in Hertford and the spectacular Gothic mansion, Knebworth House. Screen East Locations assisted the production by sourcing locations and as a result, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang filmed on location on roads in Bedford and North Hertfordshire. Watch out for the scenes that take place on the journey to and from London with Nanny McPhee and the children on the motorbike passing a windmill and on the way back home when suddenly the bike goes into warp drive!

Location Manager, Adam Richards, said: “A big thank you to Screen East, who made our filming in Hertfordshire go without a hitch. The decision to film some extra driving sequences for Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, was very last minute and so when the locations where chosen, near to Baldock, Screen East and Hertfordshire County Council, pulled out all the stops to get us the relevant permissions in time to make sure that our filming experience was a positive one.”

Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang and the locations mentioned above will feature on Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes in the East of England.

From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the region have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.”

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051 or emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=77#item_77 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=75#item_75 British drama The Scouting Book for Boys, supported by the Screen East Content Investment Fund, filmed on location in the East of England, and is released on Friday 19th March

The Scouting Book for Boys, the coming-of-age love story with a sting in its tail, stars the excellent young talents of Thomas Turgoose (This is England, Eden Lake) and Holly Grainger (Waterloo Road, Demons). Having grown up together on a caravan park on the Norfolk coast where their respective parents work, young teenagers David (Turgoose) and Emil (Grainger) have become close friends, deeply reliant on each other for distractions and mischief. Things soon take a dark turn when David learns that Emily is being forced to move away and he helps her hide out in a remote cave on the beach.

The Scouting Book for Boys was supported through the Screen East Content Investment Fund which is an award of funding from the European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 Programme administrated by GO East, Government Office for the East of England, and was successfully launched at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival with internationally celebrated director Michael Winterbottom and producer Andrew Eaton.

Finding a working caravan park that the film could be set on was crucial to the production and Screen East Locations hosted recces extensively in Norfolk and Suffolk for producer Ivana MacKinnon to find the right park. Jack Thorne had written the script after his own experience of growing up having caravan park holidays. Dramas about life on caravan parks can be somewhat grubby and unpleasant but the filmmakers wanted it to be both magical AND brilliant. Eventually, the film settled on Broadland Sands Holiday Park in Suffolk which received a 4 Star Rose Award in 2007. In order to make the most of their location, the cast and crew lived on the caravan park for the duration of the shoot. Producer Ivana MacKinnon said, “We gave our actors the option – stay in a hotel or on the caravan park, in a van, with us. They lived with us, ate with us, played the arcade dance machine with us”.

The stunning Norfolk landscape was also key in bringing a sense of beauty and isolation to the story. Holkham Bay and Hunstanton Beach were used for many of the wide beach shots. “There’s something quite wild about it, and yet it’s very flat,” explains MacKinnon. “You get these tiny figures in these huge landscapes.” Road scenes were also filmed on location in Kings Lynn and North Norfolk.

Building the cave location was a challenge for the production. It was impossible for the location scouts to find cave environments large enough and effective enough to serve the purpose, but at the same time be accessible and practical enough to accommodate a full crew. Therefore, cave scenes were shot in a warehouse on a local industrial estate in Great Yarmouth, where interconnecting caves were constructed.

The Scouting Book for Boys, Broadland Sands Holiday Park and the other locations mentioned above will feature on Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes in the East of England.

From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the region have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.”

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, or emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=75#item_75 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=73#item_73 Screen East assisted the production of The Young Victoria, a winner at the 82nd Academy Awards held last night in Hollywood.

The Young Victoria follows the story of Queen Victoria’s determination and eventual rise to power. Screen East supported location filming at Balls Park in Hertfordshire, where the Queen’s bedroom and dining room scenes were created. This location was also the backdrop for the scene following King William’s death. The Houses of Parliament were recreated using the interiors of Haileybury College, also in Hertfordshire.

The Young Victoria was nominated for three awards including ‘Art Direction’, ‘Make up’ and was awarded the Oscar for ‘Costume Design’. Designer for The Young Victoria, Sandy Powell, previous Oscar winner, Costume Design, for Shakespeare in Love (1998), said last night: “The biggest challenge on The Young Victoria was to make the characters look regal and wealthy without the budget a Queen would normally have!”

The ‘Costume Design’ award nominees also included Bright Star (Janet Patterson) and Nine (Colleen Atwood), both were filmed in the Screen East region.

The award ceremony recognised a total of five films that filmed on location in the East of England, Nine received four nominations, Sherlock Holmes received two nominations, and Bright Star and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince both had a nomination each. It was The Young Victoria though, nominated for three awards, that took home the iconic golden statuette.

The East of England continues to attract high profile productions because of its diverse locations, varied landscape and skilled workforce. As a result, the film and television industry brings enormous economic and cultural benefits to the region.

Awards season coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.”

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=73#item_73 Thu, 4 Mar 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=69#item_69 Entrepreneurs from across the country once again have a chance to make their business dreams come true by appearing on Dragons’ Den. If you’re genuinely seeking investment for your business idea or invention, we’d like to hear from you.

Last series saw some of the most diverse range of inventions and business ideas receive offers of investment from the multi-millionaire investors. All the Dragons were won over by entrepreneur Sharon Wright and the simplicity of her cable wiring device; Rupert Sweet-Escott went into business with James Caan who was impressed with his unique range of aviation designs and prototypes; and Carol Savage chose to accept Deborah Meaden's offer of a cash injection into her tasty new food networking website. In fact, when the Den finally closed for business an incredible 15 entrepreneurs had managed to convince the fearsome financiers, they were worthy of their cash.

2009 saw Londoner Jason Roberts ask for a £150,000 investment in his innovative range of mobile phone and laptop protection products. After some tense negotiations, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis joined forces to secure a stake in the company. Post investment, Jason says that he gets up to 5,000 visits to his website every day, and the current range is available in eight nationwide chains. Agreements are in place with the major phone and computer manufacturers, and he’s now planning to launch a range of own-branded cases, across the globe.

Previous success stories in the Den include Brixton based Levi Roots who secured an investment of £50,000 for his secret recipe, Reggae Reggae Sauce. Just 4 weeks after his appearance on the programme his Dragon investors helped him launch his sauce in a major supermarket all over the country. Now Levi has increased his product range to 8 sauces, produced a Caribbean cook book, and won Best New Product at the World Food Awards 2009, even going on to present his own successful BBC Television series - 'Caribbean Food Made Easy’. Having also successfully licensed his sauce to one of the world’s largest frozen food manufacturers and to an international fast food chain, Levi says that thanks to the Dragons he has a business empire that is now valued in the millions.

Of course, not everyone secures investment in the Den, but that doesn't stop the most tenacious of entrepreneurs from achieving success. After a gruelling time in front of the Dragons in 2008, inventor Natalie Ellis failed to convince them to back her Road Refresher. But one year on, her product became the fastest selling dog bowl on Amazon USA. Natalie says her company now has a million pound turnover and that her range is currently stocked in 32 countries. Likewise Shaun Pulfrey wanted the Dragons to invest £80,000 in his rework of the hairbrush – the Tangle Teezer. Unsuccessful in his bid he claims he is now stocked nationwide in high street stores and top hair salons, with sales approaching 400,000 units.

The rules are simple: entrepreneurs ask for a cash investment in return for equity in their business. However, they must get at least the amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing. The Dragons are prepared to listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make money.

As demonstrated by the investments in the last seven series, ideas, businesses and products that meet some or all of the following criteria stand a good chance of securing the Dragons’ interest:

• A Unique Selling Point: a product that serves a need like nothing else.
• Scalability: something that can be up scaled to make real money.
• Route to Market: the clear way the product can be sold and marketed.
• Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: just what will the Dragons get out of it?
• Exit Strategy: a plan of how the entrepreneur/Dragon will exit and make money.

The BBC is currently searching for Britain’s best entrepreneurs and will be auditioning throughout the coming months. We want to hear from anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to enter the Dragons’ Den.

If you would like an application form please send an e-mail to dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or visit www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=69#item_69 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=67#item_67 Since 1985 EastEnders has been filmed at BBC Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire and this week the soap celebrates by broadcasting its first live episode

The cast and crew of EastEnders will mark its silver anniversary by broadcasting a live episode from BBC Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire on Friday 19th February. Viewers can anticipate drama and excitement with a week of special episodes which will feature the second wedding of Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). Their second marriage, filmed on location at St Peter’s Church in St Albans, comes 12 years after their 1997 wedding watched by 22 million people. The finale to the week, the live episode, will see the resolution to the big storyline, who killed Archie Mitchell?

Alongside series rival, Coronation Street, EastEnders ranks as one of the most popular shows in the country. The series follows the lives of the residents of Albert Square in the East End of London. Screen East works closely with the production team to secure locations in the region when filming dramatic scenes away from set are required. Some of the soap’s most dramatic endings have been filmed on location in Hertfordshire, even the fictional resting place of many of the most memorable characters such as dirty Den and Angie Watts is located in Watford.

The anniversary of EastEnders coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Given the cult status from its legions of fans, the filming heritage of EastEnders is a great addition to Scene on Screen. Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.” Visit www.sceneonscreen.co.uk to find out more.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=67#item_67 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=64#item_64 An Economic Impact Assessment of the proposed development by Warner Bros. at Leavesden Studios

Screen East seeks to commission an authoritative and independent economic impact assessment of the current operation and the proposed development to assess its contribution to the national, regional and local economies. The tender needs to be available in a timely manner to inform the assessment of the Leavesden Studios planning application by Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council.

Please download the Invitation to Tender document and the EEDA Impact Evaluation Toolkit before submitting proposals to:

Laurie Hayward
Chief Executive
Screen East
2 Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1TF

If you would like to discuss the Tender prior to submitting a proposal, please email laurie@screeneast.co.uk or telephone 01603 776921
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=64#item_64 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=63#item_63 http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=63#item_63 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=60#item_60 online. The announcement follows a successful launch event that took place in the East of England on Thursday 28 January.

Dozens of leading lights from the UK’s film, TV and computer games industry attended the launch of the £3.5m Screen East Low Carbon Fund at The Forum in Norwich. The innovative scheme is anticipated to be the biggest low carbon initiative to come out of the East of England this year for film, documentary, TV and computer games.

More than 45 business leaders and producers working within the content sector expressed an interest in the new Low Carbon Fund supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which is managed by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Prior to launch event, a UK Film Council consultation was held to encourage the region’s content industries to feed into the UK Film: Digital Innovation and Creative Excellence online consultation.

Both events were introduced by Laurie Hayward, Chief Executive of Screen East. Guest speakers included Tina Mc Farling, Head of Industry Relations at the UK Film Council, Alan Harris, producer of Dean Spanley from Atlantic Film Group, David Wilkinson Screen East Head of Business, Marcus Armes from the Low Carbon Innovation Centre, the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Alastair Rhind from EEDA.

Laurie Hayward said: “It had been a fantastic launch event for the Low Carbon Fund and it was great to see so many of the content community making the effort to be there. I was delighted to celebrate the launch of the new fund with our funders ERDF, EEDA and the UK Film Council, and the Low Carbon Innovation Centre who are a key partner in the project.

“The Low Carbon Fund will encourage the creation of low carbon content products and services by businesses and we believe that it is a ‘first’ for the UK, and possibly the world, in incentivising low carbon production techniques as a criterion for investment.”

David Morrall, Director International, EEDA said: “The East of England is unique in having an ERDF Competitiveness programme that is focussed exclusively on low carbon economic development. This collaboration with Screen East is another example of how sectors such as the film industry are being incentivised through a dedicated European Programme to adopt low carbon technologies and practices. This fund will bring important economic benefits for businesses in the film sector and the region’s flourishing creative economy.

“The involvement and interest of the UK Film Council in this initiative really demonstrates the national leadership role being taken by the East of England in supporting our industries and business to embrace a low carbon approach.”

The Low Carbon Fund is split into two phases. The first is a business support programme, including up to ten workshops on business planning and carbon reduction, which provides practical examples to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in relation to crew travel, electrical generators on location and the use of next generation lighting technology.

The second phase is an Investment Fund, providing up to £250,000 investments for 15-20 individual investment projects and a unique referral system to link creators with commissioning editors, games publishers and film financiers within this area of expertise.

Supported by an innovative partnership between the Low Carbon Innovation Centre at UEA and the UK Film Council, the outcomes of the fund will be shared with the content industries nationally and will contribute to the strengthening the leadership of the region in the content industry’s response to climate change, meeting the requirements of the government’s carbon reduction targets set for 2050.

Laurie concluded: “The lack of tailored, sector-specific business support is one of the main barriers to growth in the content industry so we are absolutely delighted that the ERDF is supporting the Low Carbon Fund. We expect approximately 105 companies to benefit from the project with an anticipated 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, helping both individual companies and the region as a whole.”

The Low Carbon Fund is being funded over the next five years by ERDF and EEDA and is also supported by the UK Film Council and Skillset.

For further information about the fund, please contact Michael Lavery on 01603 776927 or email m.lavery@screeneast.co.uk. Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from the Low Carbon Fund page.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=60#item_60 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=53#item_53
Currently leasing a studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, Warner Brothers propose to buy the temporary space outright, and intend to refurbish the site that has been the location for films such as the Harry Potter franchise, Star Wars and Batman: The Dark Knight.

The site is currently owned by MEPC property company, but if the proposals are approved by Three Rivers District Council, Warner Brothers would buy the freehold.

The plans include two new stages, refurbishment to existing buildings, redesigning the 100-acre backlot, and the development of public set visits that would be arranged by appointment.

It is hoped that the proposals will make Leavesden a European hub for post-production facilities.

Commenting on the Warner Brothers proposal, Laurie Hayward Chief Executive of Screen East said: "Gaining clarity on what happens to Leavseden Studios after the Harry Potter franchise is completed has been the most fundamental question facing the UK Film Industry in the last few years. The vision of Warner Bros. to buy Leavesden outright as the only Hollywood major to own a studio outside the US and to make it the European hub for post-production, including visual effects, animatronics and film editing in the UK would confirm the East of England as the most important centre of film production in the UK and Hertfordshire as the most filmed county on the country.

"If permission is granted the economic and cultural impact of the proposals will be enormous in protecting and creating new jobs in the film industry and, for the first time, providing people with an opportunity to see and celebrate the film sets, costumes, props and models that are the trade mark of the world’s most popular film franchise crafted in Hertfordshire! We await the outcome with real anticipation!"


]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=53#item_53 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=52#item_52
THE REEDS starring Will Mellor (Two Pints of Lager…), Anna Brewster (Anita & Me, Mrs Henderson Presents), Scarlett Johnson (Eastenders & Adulthood), Emma Catherwood (Holby City) and Geoff Bell (Greenstreet, The Business) is a gritty chiller about a weekend boating party that runs into trouble with some youthful mischief-makers when they get stranded in a reedy backwater, on the Norfolk Broads.

“Most low budget horror filmmakers have the good sense to set their films in an easily accessible location, like their bedroom or the local woods.” Says Simon Sprackling, the film’s writer/producer. “But being British, we decided to try doing it in six foot of freezing water, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the nowhere, in the middle of November”.

Shot on location at Hickling Broad the film takes as its inspiration the true life story of Tony Martin - the Norfolk man who in 1999 shot two youths while they attempted to burgle his remote farmhouse – and reworks it into a story about a cycle of rural violence and bloodletting that traps and consumes all who are drawn into it.

“I don’t know about the audience, but it frightened the life out of me!” Says Director Nick Cohen. “And it wasn’t just the cold – although trying to shoot a snowy landscape as a summer day was a bit of a stretch, even for this country.”

“The reeds are really sharp and cut you to ribbons when you walk through. Then underneath there’s only a thin crust of earth. So every now and then when we were shooting you would hear a shout in the dark and have to rush over and haul out one of the crew who’d broken through and was getting sucked down into the mud below. It happened to me twice. I’m still having nightmares.”

“On the plus side, the cast didn’t have to act much when it came to looking terrified.”

“The person I felt most sorry for was Will Mellor” says fellow cast member, and former Mr Melanie Sykes, Danny Caltagirone. “ At one point he had to take all his kit off and jump in naked. That’s got to be the first time that boy’s lost the power of speech! Lucky he’s a big lad who holds up well in the cold. He certainly managed to scare away any snakes – and get himself a warm hand from the crew for his trouble.”

“It’s not a lesson I need to learn twice” says Sprackling. “The next film we’re doing is about a carve up in a fog bound motorway service station.”

“At least that way we’ll be indoors and the only thing that’s going to kill us is the food!”

After Dark Films will release The Reeds as part of their annual nationwide Horrorfest.

“It’s Normal for Norfolk to be chosen as movie location, and we've had a lot of big films shooting here recently.” says Laurie Hayward, Head of Screen East, who part funded the film with the UK Film Council. “Only eight films a year are selected from across the globe for this prestigious showcase.”

But success has not come easily to the project that was four and a half years in coming together, and which nearly didn’t get made at all.

“At one point I started to wonder if the real reason the UK produces so many period dramas is that they all start out as pieces of contemporary fiction – it just takes us that long to get them made.” Says Sprackling.

"It’s certainly been a remarkable effort” agrees Hayward, “and provided a great opportunity for the local young people who were chosen to star in it.”

“We are thrilled that such a beautiful and atmospheric part of our region will now have the chance to capture the imaginations of cinema audiences across North America.”

“I just hope it makes them want to come and take a closer look, rather than frightening them off!’ adds Director, Cohen.

Meanwhile check out the trailer above.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=52#item_52 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=51#item_51
44 Inch Chest revolves around a jealous husband, Colin Diamond (Ray Winstone), who intends to restore his wounded ego after finding out his wife (Joanne Whalley) has had an affair, by kidnapping her lover (Melvil Poupaud). The impressive cast includes Oscar nominated John Hurt (Old Man Peanut) and Tom Wilkinson (Archie), Golden Globe winner Ian McShane (Meredith) and BAFTA award winning Stephen Dillane (Mal) as Colin’s dubious gangland friends. Location filming took place at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire and at a private residence in Elstree, Hertfordshire that became Colin Diamond’s house. Sets were constructed at Elstree Studios to film scenes involving Colin and his motley group of friends, where he tries to decide what to do with his wife’s good-looking younger lover that his friends have tied up inside a wardrobe.

Millbrook Proving Ground is one of Screen East’s most film friendly locations and it has a huge amount to offer the filmmaker with 45 miles of track set in 700 acres of land. The track represents all road conditions including areas of woodland, gravel roads, water troughs, severe off road and a city-simulation course. The test track has been utilised for filming on many occasions with credits including Casino Royale, Top Gear and Holby City.

Nick Wignal of Millbrook Proving Ground said, “We were very pleased to welcome the crew of 44 Inch Chest to Millbrook Proving Ground. Filming took place at night and lampposts were placed along the access road leading to the petrol station. Actress Joanna Whalley was filmed climbing up the banks of the High Speed Bowl, over the barrier and then running towards the petrol station. The filming went really well and the cast & crew were pleased with the results”.

The release of 44 Inch Chest coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations, such as the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate, have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.” Visit www.sceneonscreen.co.uk to find out more on Millbrook Proving Ground’s impressive showreel.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051 or emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=51#item_51 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=50#item_50
After Dark Films have acquired US Theatrical rights. Lionsgate will handle US DVD, with SciFi Channel premiering on US TV.

The film, set on the Norfolk Broads, stars Anna Brewster (Anita & Me, Mrs Henderson Presents), Scarlett Johnson (Adulthood), Will Mellor (Two Pints of Lager…) Danny Caltagirone (The Beach, The Pianist) and Geoff Bell (Greenstreet, The Business) and is about a group of Londoners on a weekend boat trip, who discover a terrifying secret when they get stranded in the reed banks over night.

The deal, brokered by Ildi Toth-Davy’s Altadena Films, who also co-financed, completes After Dark’s 8 picture theatrical release slate for “Horrorfest4 – 8 films to Die For” and will see THE REEDS open on fifty screens in the top 25 US cities.

Producer, Simon Sprackling, said, “We are surprised and delighted to be signed up for such a prestigious genre showcase and to have the weight of the premier US genre studio behind us. We are the only UK feature of the eight worldwide genre titles selected to take part, and the first British picture to ever appear at Horrorfest.”

Sprackling admits though that it was not an easy film to make on a sub million pound budget. “We got put back a year, had to change a lot of personnel and get the film bonded through a South African company - as no UK or US company would touch it at this level.”

“In the end I think this is just reward for the determination and durability of the director, the cast and crew, and of course our backers - as well as a fitting testament to the talent and ingenuity of the whole team.”

Director Nick Cohen confirmed the scale of the challenge. “Night shooting in boats, reed banks, water and mud, in November was never going to be an easy task - especially with so many fire, action and stunt sequences. But I think the uniqueness of the terrain and the ruggedness of the conditions does actually come across on screen – and that’s added a real sense of danger, atmosphere and authenticity to a great script and some terrific performances”.

The film was shot on location in the stunning Norfolk Broads National Park on Hickling Broad and at St. Olaves, in Lowestoft in Suffolk and at Action Underwater Studios in Basildon, Essex – all in the East of England - with support of the Screen East Content Investment Fund.

CEO of Screen East, Laurie Hayward, said “We are delighted to be associated with this chilling deadly ordeal movie set in the atmospheric glistening waterways of the Norfolk Boards.

“THE REEDS was the first project we backed through the Screen East Content Investment Fund and was the last to shoot. It’s been a remarkable effort all round, and has provided a vital boost to the local economy and community by creating employment opportunities for young people. We are delighted that such a visually striking part of our region will now be showcased to cinema audiences throughout North America.”

Co-producer Charlie Gauvain, of Norwich based Red Eye Pictures said “ The importance of the funding we received from Screen East cannot be understated. They have a great rapport with local filmmakers, like us, and backing genuine local productions like THE REEDS really helps us to establish ourselves internationally – and in turn attract more film production business to the area.”

“We also have a number of UK distributors interested in the film and look forward to making an announcement about the UK release in February at Berlin.”

The film was Executive Produced by Neil Peplow and co-financed by Screen East, Francis Productions, Altadena Film Sales, Silverlight Productions, Portman Finance and Delacheroy Films. Dragon DI were the post-production partners.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=50#item_50 Mon, 4 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=46#item_46
Exhibit A, Best UK Feature winner at the Raindance Film Festival and 3x British Independent Film Award nominee, is now available to stream and to buy as a Collector's Edition DVD from www.exhibitathemovie.com.

Exhibit A tells the timely story of a normal family disintegrating under financial pressure, eventually driven to the unimaginable. All is not as it seems as the King family go about their day-to-day lives oblivious of the horror to come. Dad Andy (Bradley Cole) is nursing a secret that ultimately leads to terrible consequences for them all. We witness these chilling events unfold through daughter Judith’s (Brittany Ashworth) video camera, which subsequently becomes Exhibit A. The film is inspired by the many men in real life who are known to their neighbours as devoted husbands and fathers, but for unknowable reasons suddenly decide to take drastic action to protect their loved ones.

In Exhibit A we learn that "True Horror" is other people… So dim the lights, bolt your door and get ready for an experience that won't leave you the same person.

Written and directed by Dom Rotheroe (My Brother Tom, A Sarajevo Diary) and produced by Darren Bender (The Hamburg Cell), the film is a co-production between Bigger Pictures and Warp Films (Dead Man’s Shoes, This is England) and has left a trail of stunned audiences at festivals all over the world.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=46#item_46 Mon, 4 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=47#item_47
Starting on Monday 4th January for five days between 10am and 2pm, five of Screen East’s animation films will be screening at Fusion at The Forum in Norwich. Free of charge!

The films are:
Shadows and Dust – Written and Produced by Jon Dunleavy, Directed by Jon Dunleavy and Keith Wilson Singer
Jacob – Written, Directed and Produced by Keith Wilson Singer
Under the Stairs – Written by Mark Wickham and Jess Baker, Produced by Jon Dunleavy, Directed by Mark Wickham
Blasted Angels – Written by Paul Burke, Produced by Ugly Studios, Directed by Ian Claxton and Andy Pritchett
Mummy and Baddie – Written by Jon Dunleavy, Produced by Jon Dunleavy, Directed by Keith Wilson Singer

One of the filmmakers, Keith Wilson Singer, will be on hand to answer any questions about the films, how to get into filmmaking, or anything else you might like to know.

Fusion is running a series of screenings in 2010 as part of their What Next? Project. Go to www.theforumnorwich.co.uk for more information. All screenings are FREE.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=47#item_47 Mon, 4 Jan 2010 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=49#item_49
An intimate portrait of Knox and her family will kick off the next season of documentary strand True Stories.

The Trials of Amanda Knox will feature interviews with the Knox family and Amanda’s friends alongside exclusive access to the letters that she has written from prison in Italy.

Knox began a 26-year sentence this month for the murder, which took place in Perugia in November 2007, and is expected to launch an appeal next year.

More4 editor Tabitha Jackson, who ordered the documentary from Red Eye Pictures, said the film aimed to capture the truth behind the headlines in the high-profile case.

“The arrest of Amanda and her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito and their subsequent trial has attracted an almost unprecedented level of attention and comment from around the world. But the level of noise and in many cases hysteria, has made it almost impossible to discern the basic facts of the case.”

The documentary is produced by Charlie Gauvain and directed by Garfield Kennedy for Red Eye in association with Screen East.

The Screen East Content Investment Fund was an award of funding from the European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 Programme administered by GO East, Government Office for the East of England.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=49#item_49 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=45#item_45
More 4 is to explore the year leading up to American student Amanda Knox’s 26-year jail sentence for the murder of her British flatmate Meredith Kercher.
The Trials of Amanda Knox will feature interviews with the Knox family and Amanda’s friends alongside exclusive access to the letters that she has written from prison in Italy.
The documentary is produced by Charlie Gauvain and directed by Janice Finch for Red Eye in association with Screen East.

Funnyman Films and Red Eye Pictures announce today the forthcoming US theatrical release of their low budget UK thriller/chiller feature The Reeds, on January 29th.
After Dark Films have acquired US Theatrical rights. Lionsgate will handle US DVD, with SciFi Channel taking US TV.The film stars Anna Brewster (Anita & Me, Mrs Henderson Presents), Scarlett Johnson (Adulthood), Will Mellor (Two Pints of Lager…) and Geoff Bell (Greenstreet, The Business) and is about a group of Londoners on a weekend boat trip, who discover a terrifying secret when they get stranded in the reed banks over night. Locations include the stunning Norfolk Broads National Park on Hickling Broad and at St. Olaves, in Lowestoft in Suffolk and at Action Underwater Studios in Basildon, Essex.

Malice in Wonderland is released in February 2010.
An American law student in London is knocked down by a black cab. She wakes with amnesia in a world that's a million miles from home - Wonderland. Simon Fellows - director, Jayson Rothwell - writer, Albert Martinez Martin – producer (Future Films), Mark Williams – producer (Pierce / Williams), Michael Pierce – producer (Pierce / Williams). Cast includes Maggie Grace (Alice) and Danny Dyer (Whitey).

The Screen East Content Investment Fund is an award of funding from the European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 Programme administered by GO East, Government Office for the East of England.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=45#item_45 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=40#item_40
The much-anticipated Sherlock Holmes is released on Boxing Day and follows the pursuits of Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his faithful partner Watson (Jude Law) in a battle of wits and brawn against nemesis Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who poses a threat to all of England. Warner Bros.’ Sherlock Holmes filmed on location at the stunning Hertfordshire stately home, Hatfield House, where scenes were filmed in the Long Gallery. Leavesden Studios was also used for scenes at Sherlock Holmes’s house.

With its Oscar winning cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench, Nine shimmies onto the big screen on December 18th. The musical romance tells the tale of film director, Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) who struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal life, whilst balancing the relationships he has with his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his muse (Nicola Kidman), his confident and costume designer (Judi Dench), an American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the prostitute from his youth (Stacy Ferguson) and his mother (Sophia Loren). Nine filmed on location at Wansford station on the Nene Valley Railway in Cambridgeshire where it formed the backdrop to a romantic reunion between onscreen lovers, Penelope Cruz and Daniel Day-Lewis. The platform was transformed into a scene from 1960s Italy, for which a short sequence is shown on the film’s trailer.

St Trinian’s 2: Legend of Fritton’s Gold filmed on location at Knebworth House and Balls Park in Hertfordshire and is also released on December 18th. The spectacular gothic Knebworth House became the backdrop of St Trinian’s with scenes for the first day of term mainly being filmed here. Interior scenes of the school were largely filmed on location at former University campus, Balls Park.

St Trinian’s 2: Legend of Fritton’s Gold is the sequel to ‘St Trinian’s’ and the new term stars Talulah Riley, Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, David Tennant and Sarah Harding. The comedy adventure follows the girls on their hunt for buried treasure after discovering headmistress, Miss Fritton (Rupert Everett), is related to a famous pirate.

The release of all three films coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes.

From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result, leading locations, such as the Hatfield House, Knebworth House and Nene Valley Railway, have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including Batman, Lara Croft, Miss Marple and James Bond. All three new releases already feature on the site.

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.” Visit www.sceneonscreen.co.uk to discover more on the East of England star-studded showreel.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=40#item_40 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=43#item_43 The Digital Heritage Project ... bringing archive alive

Launched earlier this year, the Digital Heritage Project team have been researching and sourcing some wonderful archive footage from both East Anglia and their partners in Rouen, France to enable screenings on a variety of media platforms, leading up to the launch of an innovative digital heritage website – www.archivesonline.co.uk in March 2011.

The project aims to make archive film more accessible to a wider audience by using public spaces in a creative way to screen the archive films. Such venues include the Big Screen at Chapelfield Shopping Centre, Norwich, where a selection of archive film edits are being showcased throughout December and into the New Year.

Digital Heritage Project Manager Jane Jarvis said: “We’re delighted to be able to present a programme of film screenings that include an exciting and eclectic mix of both archive footage, and screening venues. We are working with a number of local venues to catch the eye of passers by, providing them with an added value visitor experience whilst bringing alive memories of the past through regional archive film.”

A selection of archive edits are currently being screened at locations across the region including the Big Screen and Cinema City restaurant in Norwich, the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, Aldeburgh Cinema, Woodbridge Cinema, and last night saw the launch of ‘Christmas Past’ as part of the Changing Spaces Exhibition in Cambridge that transforms empty shops in the historic city centre to brighten residents and visitors’ experiences. ‘Christmas Past’, as featured on ITV Anglia News, is a compilation of home movies showing how Christmas has been celebrated in East Anglia from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. In keeping with Christmas traditions, there are films of decorated trees, turkey dinners with all the trimmings, paper hats, party games, crackers and presents enjoyed by happy families from all over Norfolk, Suffolk Cambridgeshire and Essex. This compilation is funny, touching and full of memories for everyone. It’s one of many archive releases produced as part of Screen East’s Digital Heritage project...’bringing archive alive’ throughout the region.

For all those footie fans, don’t miss the ‘The Games, the Goals & the Glory’ - football on amateur film with ITV’s sports reporter Stuart Jarrold bringing some games from the past to life.
Baggy shorts, a real leather ball and snow on the pitch! This is the game of football in grandad’s day or even great grandad.Thanks to a small bunch of football and cine film enthusiasts we have a different perspective on football than that shown by major broadcasters of today.

Archive compilations including ‘Christmas Past’ ‘Pleasure of Leisure’ ‘The game, the goals and the glory’ can now be viewed at a variety of screen venues around the region:

BIG SCREEN CHAPELFIELD, Norwich (as from 7pm Thurs 17th Dec 2009)

ALL SAINTS PASSAGE, CAMBRIDGE (empty shop unit as part of Changing Spaces project)

ARTS PICTUREHOUSE, CAMBRIDGE

ALDEBURGH CINEMA, Suffolk – pre feature trailer

HARWICH ELECTRIC PALACE, Essex – pre feature trailer

CINEMA CITY Restaurant, Norwich

SCREEN EAST, 2 MILLENNIUM PLAIN – look up to the 1st floor window opposite the Forum!

Other venues up and coming so watch this space

For further information and regular updates of archive screenings, please visit the Digital Heritage Diary
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=43#item_43 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=39#item_39
Due to technical issues we will be announcing further information early in the New Year.]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=39#item_39 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=37#item_37
Babylon Europe invites submissions for its annual project development workshop to be held at the Goethe-Institut in Rotterdam February 2nd-5th during the International Film Festival (IFFR).

Writer-director teams receive intensive analysis and coaching from experienced industry consultants in a collaborative creative exchange with other European filmmakers.

For further details please visit the Babylon website

While Babylon International builds a bridge from Europe to West Africa, Babylon Europe continues its grassroots work, assisting filmmakers of migrant and diasporic origin to break through into the European mainstream. Frequently unrecognized, the stories that emerge from these undiscovered talents of "double culture" provide the richest untapped source of European storytelling.

The Babylon Europe Programme consists of:

A 4-day project development workshop in Rotterdam on 30 January-5 February 2010 (precise dates tbc)

- round-table pitching of selected projects
- screening of extracts from participants' previously filmed work
- whole day script analysis with professional consultants
- whole day one-to-one project meetings with industry consultants
- lunchtime guest speakers from the international film industry
- industry networking reception and other events
- 3 nights free accommodation

As well as intensive advice and analysis from experienced industry consultants, the BABYLON workshops offer creative exchange, networking, co-production and distribution opportunities.

Online and telephone consultation with Babylon mentors is available during the rewrite phase, February to April 2010.

Projects are re-assessed and the most promising selected for the second phase:

A 4-day industry workshop in Cannes May 2010 (precise dates tbc)

- advice with finance plan and co-production options
- orientation tour of the Cannes Market
- assisted accreditation with market and festival
- daily seminar programme with industry guests
- ongoing project consultation
- personal mentoring and introductions
- public discussion with industry professionals
- 3 nights free accommodation

The participation fee for the script development programme will be Euros 500 per person.

Ongoing membership of the Babylon network is free for all graduates.

BABYLON will be holding preparatory regional workshops in Amsterdam (Oct 31st), Vienna (January 8th/9th) and Paris (tbc).

Contact:
Scenario Films Ltd
52 Avenue Gardens
London W3 8HB

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8992 6332
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8752 1926

Gareth Jones/Fiona Howe

e-mail: info@babylon-film.eu
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=37#item_37 Mon, 7 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=36#item_36
The British Independent Film Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in independently funded British feature film for the 12th year running held at The Brewery in London last night. Screen East supported Bright Star and Cannes Film Festival 2009’s Jury Prize Winner, Fish Tank were both acknowledged and both filmed on location in the region.

Oscar winning director Jane Champion’s Bright Star filmed at a private location in Bedfordshire, and charted the secret love affair of 23-year-old English poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and the girl next door, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish), an outspoken student of fashion. Greig Fraser’s outstanding cinematography in Bright Star won the award for Best Technical Achievement. Bright Star was also nominated for the categories of Best Director (Jane Champion), Best Actress (Abbie Cornish) and Best Supporting Actress (Kerry Fox) in addition to the nomination for the highest prize awarded to competing films, the Golden Palm, at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

Fish Tank which partially filmed on location in Essex won two awards at the BIFAs. The Academy award-winning writer and director, Andrea Arnold took the award for Best Director, and the Most Promising Newcomer award went to Katie Jarvis. Jarvis played 15 year old Mia whose life is simply turned upside down when her mum brings home a new boyfriend. Fish Tank was also nominated for the categories of Best British Independent Film, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Technical Achievement.

Whilst not an award-winner on this occasion, Screen East supported The Young Victoria, which filmed on location in Hertfordshire, was nominated within the Best Actress category for Emily Blunt’s (The Devil Wears Prada) performance as Young Victoria.

The East of England continues to attract high profile productions because of its diverse locations, varied landscape and skilled workforce. As a result, the film and television industry brings enormous economic and cultural benefits to the region.

Screen East is always seeking additions to their location library in particular large residential properties with modern features and a luxurious feel as well as modern, bright apartments in new developments. They are also keen to hear from anyone who has modern office space available and are always on the lookout for derelict industrial buildings and interesting period properties.

If you would you like to see your property or business premises appearing on the big or small screen or have a company that could supply services to a feature film or a TV production company or work in the film and television industry, Screen East offers a FREE service - to register call 01923 495051, e-mail locations@screeneast.co.uk
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=36#item_36 Tue, 1 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=33#item_33
Set up by a team with a broad range of experience in film marketing, finance, and advertising, Film Tree will serve as a bridge between film producers and distributors keen to explore innovative funding routes, and brands searching for the highest quality entertainment content for their marketing campaigns. The initiative will provide film companies with better access to brand financing, offer new ways of engaging with audiences, and promote closer working relationships between the creative industries.

John Woodward, Chief Executive of the UK Film Council, said:
“At a time when traditional sources of finance and revenues are diminishing, part of the UK Film Council’s job is to help the film sector with practical solutions. Essentially we are establishing a partnership that will enable brands to speak more directly to filmmakers about financing new films, creating a genuine fit between the brand and the film project looking for production finance.”

Ed Sharp, Partner at Film Tree, said:
“Branded entertainment can create even more engaging marketing campaigns and deliver tangible returns on investment – for all involved. This exciting partnership comes as we are working with a number of UK film producers and distributors on commercial projects, each with a clearly defined audience in mind, and each searching for additional financing.”

www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=33#item_33 Tue, 1 Dec 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=34#item_34
The Descent: Part 2 sees the return of Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) emerging from the cave system alone and covered in the blood of her missing companions. It is down to Sheriff Vaines (Gavin O’Herlihy), his partner Rios (Krysten Cummings) and their cave rescue team to force Sarah back into the caves to help find her missing friends. The chilling scenes were once again filmed on location at the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate which doubled for the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern United States.

The National Trust’s Ashridge Estate is one of Screen East’s most film friendly locations and it has a huge amount to offer the filmmaker including open countryside, woodland of many varieties, chalk downland with panoramic views of the Chilterns, historic woodland carriageways and flint tracks. The Ashridge Estate is located in the Hertfordshire Borough of Dacorum. Filming was worth an estimated £2.5 million to the local economy from April to September 2009. The Council therefore recognises the huge benefits that location filming can bring and as such sponsors the activities of Screen East to encourage more productions to film in the borough. Dacorum’s impressive showreel includes Alfie, Band of Brothers, Birthday Girl, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Bright Star, Children of Men, EastEnders, Emma, Enigma, Footballers’ Wives, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Primeval, Sense & Sensibility, Spooks, Cranford and Stardust, amongst many others.

Dacorum Borough Council commented, “Dacorum Borough Council, in partnership with Screen East, is keen to promote the borough as a good location in which to film and we aim to facilitate filming however we can. We can signpost filmmakers to the right person, or liaise on their behalf to gain permits, traffic management, night filming and planning permissions. We can help organise parking and can help location managers find that perfect spot. We have also developed a film-friendly strategy to encourage filmmakers to bring their projects to Dacorum”.

The release of The Descent: Part 2 coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations, such as the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate, have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.”

Visit Scene on Screen to find out more on the Ashridge Estate’s impressive showreel.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=34#item_34 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=32#item_32
Channel 4’s new drama series, The Queen, explores key events in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, mixing dramatised scenes with news archives and testimonies from royal insiders. The five episodes will cover events such as Princess Margaret’s affair in 1955, the kidnap attempt on Princess Anne in 1974, the tension between the Crown and the government in 1986, the infamous “Annus Horribilis” of 1992 with the series conclusion focusing on Prince Charles’ marriage to Camilla Parker-Bowles in 2005. Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, stars in episode 4 which will be broadcast on 2nd December.

After extensive location scouting all over Southern England, the spectacular Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, was chosen for scenes in episode 4 starring Barbara Flynn as the Queen, revealing how she coped with a catalogue of scandals involving her family and of course, the fire in Windsor Castle. The formal gardens at Knebworth doubled for Kensington Palace grounds, Knebworth’s ornate picture gallery became interiors of Buckingham Palace, the lavish library doubled for Windsor Castle and the elegance of Knebworth’s dining room became Kensington Palace.

Location owner, Martha Lytton Cobbold, said “This is one of many filming projects that we have had at Knebworth this year and we have enjoyed working closely and in partnership with them all. It is terribly exciting for all to see the end result”.

The broadcasting of The Queen coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations, such as Knebworth House, have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.” Visit Scene on Screen to find out more on Knebworth’s House glitzy showreel.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=32#item_32 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=31#item_31
BIG MEDIABOX
Big Mediabox is the largest Mediabox grant, designed for organisations with a strong track record of developing media projects with young people. This grant can assist organisations to deliver new programmes that allow a larger group of young people to work collaboratively. The funding is open to established youth and/or media focused organisations. Big Mediabox accepts applications for grants between £20,000 and £40,000, with up to 10% on capital and match funding of 40% of the total project expenditure, a minimum of 20% of this match funding must be cash. Work must be devised and led by disadvantaged young people throughout.
Application Guidelines and full details are located at www.media-box.co.uk
The deadline is 2.00pm on 20th January 2010.


CONTRACT MEDIABOX
Big Mediabox Contract is a large grant that will support organisations to manage and deliver a regional bursary project for disadvantaged young people aged 13-19. The project will enable organisations to distribute funding, of £500-£1000, to individual young people (or young people working in small groups) across the English regions. The funding that the young people receive must be used to take part in and/or develop creative media projects/products. Young people should be encouraged to access funds through a suitable application process devised by the applicant. The successful organisations will be responsible for encouraging and developing applications from young people, managing the project, controlling payments, supporting young people and evaluating and monitoring individual projects.
Application Guidelines and full details are located at www.media-box.co.uk
The deadline is 2.00pm on 31st March 2010.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=31#item_31 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=30#item_30
The document highlights the work of some Regional Screen Agencies (RSAs), including Screen East, Screen South and Film London, for facilitating ‘roughly 75 per cent of the film business in the UK’.

The report also states that the RSAs’ adaptive behaviour is ‘an effective use of public money’ and also ‘sets an example to SMEs’ at a time when they ‘need to adjust is critical’.

Read more]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=30#item_30 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=28#item_28 A new fund to promote digital innovation
A new set of policies, to adapt to the changing film landscape
A 20% reduction in overheads, to push more money into film activity

The UK Film Council today launches a three month public consultation into the most significant revision of its activities since it was created in 2000. UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence sets out the policy and funding priorities for the next three years (April 2010 to March 2013), and specifically proposes:

• a new £15m Film Production Fund which has four distinct creative gatekeepers, is focused on the pursuit of creative excellence and puts more emphasis on first- and second-time filmmakers;
• a producer equity position in all UK Film Council-funded feature films;
• a minimum 25% target for non-London originated film production;
• a new £5m Innovation Fund, to promote new business models and ensure UK film’s successful transition into a fully digital age;
• sustained investment in the BFI, to support the conservation of UK film heritage and improve access to film culture;
• a renewed emphasis on attracting inward investment to the UK film sector and underlining the continued importance of the Film Tax Relief;
• prioritising skills training for new technologies and post-production;
• additional funding to support the industry in combating film theft;
• continued support for film distribution and audience-focused initiatives; and
• an ongoing commitment to achieving a more diverse and inclusive workforce and film culture.

Launching the consultation document, Tim Bevan CBE, Chairman of the UK Film Council, said that the new three year business plan was a robust response to the economic downturn and its effect on film financing, rapid technological change and the reduction of the UK Film Council’s income due to the 2012 Olympics.

Bevan added: "The support the UK Film Council has given film culture and the film industry over the past ten years has been enormous, but we’re now operating in a very different environment and we need to adapt to meet the needs of a new generation of audiences and filmmakers. To do that when the UK Film Council is itself having to find savings of £25 million over the next three years is a real challenge. But it’s now more important than ever to ensure we invest as much money as possible in film production, in creative and cultural excellence, and in helping UK film make a successful transition into the digital age – and that’s exactly what we’re proposing to do.”

John Woodward, Chief Executive of the UK Film Council, outlined plans to replace the Premiere, New Cinema and Development Funds with a single unified Film Production Fund which, alongside an ongoing commitment to support world-class filmmakers, will provide a new space and funding stream to support experimental filmmaking. He confirmed that, topped-up with recoupment from successful film investment, the new fund could well have more money to spend on development and production than is currently the case.

Woodward also unveiled proposals for a new Innovation Fund to help UK film companies across the value chain make the successful transition into the digital age. Its remit would include identifying new business opportunities that technology and innovation can help unlock, providing financial support for innovative film organisations looking to develop new sources of revenue, and enabling better working between innovators, audiences and film companies.

Woodward commented: “By creating two substantial new funds – one to support the move into a fully digital world and one to champion the very best of UK film talent – the UK Film Council is underlining its support for British filmmakers at a time of genuine uncertainty. Separate to the consultation process itself, we are also cutting our overheads by 20% to push more money into front-line film activity. The next three months are about consulting with people from across the film sector, listening to their views on our proposals and locking in the right priorities going forward from April 2010 – but until then, it's very much business as usual."

UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence is available online at http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/consultation2009.

The questionnaire can be completed online at http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/survey.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=28#item_28 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=26#item_26 Glorious 39, the sinister thriller of one family’s dark secret that threatens to tear them apart, filmed on location in Norfolk and is released nationwide on November 20th.

Acclaimed writer director Stephen Poliakoff’s British thriller, Glorious 39, is set in the idyllic Norfolk countryside when Britain stands on the very brink of war. The story opens in London and is centred around the formidable Keyes family who are determined to preserve their very traditional, English way of life in the midst of political upheaval. Anne (Romola Garai), the eldest adopted sibling of the Keyes family comes across secret recordings of a potential conspiracy hidden in the out-buildings of the family home. As war breaks out Anne attempts to confirm her growing suspicions. It is then that she begins to discover the true extent to which she has been betrayed. The star cast that joins Romola Garai includes Bill Nighy, Julie Christie, Eddie Redmayne, Juno Temple, David Tennant, Charlie Cox and the legendary Christopher Lee.

Glorious 39 was co-financed by Screen East’s Content Investment Fund, an award of funding from the European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 Programme administered by GO East, Government Office for the East of England. Screen East’s locations team assisted the production throughout filming, helping to secure locations in Norfolk which included Castle Acre Priory, Cley Marshes, Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall, St Nicholas Church, and the Walsingham Estate.

Producer, Martin Pope said: “As the film was set in Norfolk, and the locations of the abbey and house were vital to Stephen, we made an early approach to Screen East, who were delighted to welcome Stephen back (as he shot a good deal of the Lost Prince in the region). UK Film Council were very interested by the script, by a key director such as Stephen making a return to cinema and by the amazing cast which were gathering around the project… Having assembled a really great set of partners were able to set the film up to allow Stephen to do what he does best.”

Laurie Hayward, Chief Executive of Screen East said: “We are delighted to welcome the talent of Stephen Poliakoff back to Norfolk with Glorious 39 which brings the beauty of Norfolk to the big screen once again for us all to enjoy.”

Glorious 39 marks the long awaited return of Stephen Poliakoff to the cinema after an absence of a decade. Poliakoff is widely acknowledged as a powerful voice in British culture thanks in part to his acclaimed UK television successes which include impressive credits such as Gideon’s Daughter,Shooting The Past, The Lost Prince, Capturing Mary and Joe’s Palace. Poliakoff was born in London and attended King’s College in Cambridge where he read history. However he decided to leave prior to graduation to concentrate on writing. Glorious 39 provided Poliakoff with an opportunity to indulge his interest in a period of history which has had little screen presence to date.

The release of Glorious 39 coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the globe. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here. As a result leading locations have played host to some of the world’s best known screen characters including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters.”. Visit www.sceneonscreen.co.uk to find out more information of the filming of Glorious 39 in the East of England.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=26#item_26 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=27#item_27
Under this partnership the Locations Team has two 3-6 week short term projects to be carried out for the North Sea Screen Partners based at our Locations Office in Leavesden, Hertfordshire but covering the counties of Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire:

Project 1: to cleanse our crew and facilities database in the NSR
Project 2: to re-photograph locations and source new locations in the NSR

Duties will include data-entry using our bespoke database, photography, scanning and manipulating images using Adobe PhotoShop, desk based research, and other office duties involving extensive telephone work necessitating a good telephone manner, strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of the filming industry and clear diction.

Key skills
• Organised
• Experience in a administrative role
• Excellent telephone manner
• Good communication skills
• Proven photographic skills with a portfolio of images
• Experience of sourcing filming locations
• Experience within the filming industry

The ideal candidate:
• Able to operate a range of computer software
• Accurate data entry
• Excellent Communication, Interpersonal and telephone skills
• Confident with the administrative duties
• Able to work in and out of a team
• Positive 'Can Do' attitude
• Own transport essential

Salary: £15,500 pro rata.
Experience: 1-2 yrs
Duration: 3-6 weeks with possible extension
Closing Date: Thursday 26th November 2009

To apply, please email cover letter and CV to hayley@screeneast.co.uk
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=27#item_27 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=24#item_24
The partnership also includes other local screen commissions and regional screen commissions, the education/training sector and local authorities all contributing to achieving its goal through five inter-related work packages. Individual work packages aim to support the development of existing NSR clusters in film/TV/Interactive media sectors through transnational working, within and between clusters, to build capacity of companies, particularly SMEs, to compete more effectively and encourage investment outside of metropolitan areas where historically wealth creation/employment has been focused.

Further information on the North Sea Screen Partnership, Screen East and its other programmes can be obtained by contacting David Wilkinson (Screen East – Head of Business) on 01603 776920 or by email at d.wilkinson@screeneast.co.uk
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=24#item_24 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=23#item_23
This is a truly international event, with leading formats decision makers from around the world at the round table, receiving pitches from formats producers from many countries. Apart from business resulting from the pitching, it is a unique networking event as the world’s formats industry will be there.

Applications to participate as Pitcher (with a project) are free and will be subject to selection by an Industry Jury under the scrutiny of media accounts Kingston Smith W1. Participation as an Observer may also be applied for, also free. No fee will be charged to participants.

For further details, please email d.wilkinson@screeneast.co.uk to request the event guidelines.

The Formats Forum aims not only to create an international industry showcase for the best television formats but also to stimulate points of digital convergence between different media. Joint television / games / mobile projects are already moving ahead as a result of the last Formats Forum.

Projects at any stage of development (paper or piloted) are eligible to apply.

Screen East is co-funding this activity and the Entertainment Master Class through Lottery Funding (UK Film Council) and European Regional Development Fund (Interreg IVB – The North Sea Screen Partnership).

The one-day event is planned for Wednesday, 25th November 2009 at the Møller Centre – Cambridge.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=23#item_23 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=22#item_22 www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes to potential visitors and new clientele.

This unique website lists over 600 filming locations situated in the region which have played host to at least one of over 500 well known productions! All the locations, cast, crew, films and television programmes that have filmed at accessible locations will be fully searchable online enabling visitors to plan their trips to the locations used and even choose a B&B or hotel nearby. Couples seeking a unique venue for their special day can plan their wedding celebrations at a popular filming location, or if an extraordinary venue is needed, hosts can invite their guests to literally follow in the footsteps of the stars.

Scene on Screen has taken over two years to develop given the region’s rich filming history. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well known war time classics including 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the world.

There is strong evidence that visitors seek out the locations used, such people can be referred to as ‘Set Jetters’.

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters. Partners are also excited about the launch as Scene on Screen provides an additional opportunity for the region to celebrate our association with the filming and television industries”.

The East of England Development Agency, EEDA, recognised the potential to promote accessible locations that have been used for popular films and television programmes by funding the project. The site will also promote hotels that have hosted famous cast and crew during filming, or those used as locations themselves. In partnership with Enjoy Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Prosperity, Norfolk Tourism, county tourism officers and East of England Tourism, Screen East has populated the forthcoming website with the region’s extensive filming heritage and provided a brief description of the individual locations themselves.

]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=22#item_22 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=21#item_21
Oscar winning director Jane Champion’s Bright Star charts the secret love affair of 23-year-old English poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and the girl next door, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish), an outspoken student of fashion. The unlikely pair are first drawn together by the illness of Keat’s younger brother, and their relationship develops as Keats introduces Fanny to poetry. By the time Fanny’s mother (Kerry Fox) and Keat’s best friend Charles Brown (Paul Schneider) discover the pair’s involvement, it is too late for them to put an end to it as Keats and Fanny are already intensely and helplessly absorbed in each other. Bright Star was nominated for the highest prize awarded to competing films, the Golden Palm, at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

Screen East’s locations team assisted the production throughout filming, helping to secure locations in the region. Sourced directly from Screen East’s location library a private Bedfordshire country estate was used as Keat’s Hampstead home, Wentworth House. The location was perfect because of the two houses on the estate that were situated side by side; one could be used as Wentworth House and the other as Elm Cottage where the Brawnes first lived. Whilst on a recce of the estate, an old photograph was found upstairs of a family walking out of a local pub called Bright Star, which was seen as a sign by Director, Jane Champion and reconfirmed how perfect the location choice was. The natural gardens on the estate were used as a double for the heaths of Hampstead in some scenes.

Filming took place entirely on location in the East of England except for one day of filming, on location, in Rome. Additional scenes for this charming romantic drama were filmed on location in Hertfordshire at the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate, Hunsdon Woodland in East Herts and Bower Heath Woodland in Harpenden. Hertfordshire facility companies that supplied services to the production during filming of Bright Star included Steve Dent, who supplied horses and carriages, and Animals O Kay, who supplied animals, all of which are trained to appear in screen productions.

The release of Bright Star coincides with the recent launch of Scene on Screen - www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes to potential visitors and new clientele. Scene on

Screen has taken over two years to develop given the region’s rich filming history. From the early silent and first ‘talkies’ produced by Directors such as Hitchcock to well know war time classics such as 633 Squadron and the Battle of Britain, leading attractions in the East of England have appeared on both big and small screens around the world. Blockbusters such as George Lucas’ Indiana Jones trilogy and the first four Star Wars movies have all been filmed here As a result leading locations have played host to some of the best known screen characters of all time including James Bond, Batman, Bridget Jones, Blackadder, Dr Who, Harry Potter, Del Boy and even Dracula!

Head of Locations & Inward Investment for Screen East, the regional screen agency, Kerry Ixer, said: “Popular film and television programmes provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filming locations around the globe. Production companies pay the location owners a fee to use the location after which they can experience free, and potentially worldwide, advertising for their location if they are accessible to the public. The Scene on Screen website aims to show visitors where filming occurred enabling them to follow in the footsteps of popular screen characters. Partners are also excited about the launch as Scene on Screen provides an additional opportunity for the region to celebrate our association with the filming and television industries”. Visit www.sceneonscreen.co.uk to find out more information of the filming of Bright Star in the East of England.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=21#item_21 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=18#item_18
Creation stars acclaimed British actor, Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, alongside his real life wife and Academy Award winning actress, Jennifer Connelly as Darwin’s deeply religious wife, Emma. The film tackles a difficult period in Darwin’s life following the death of his child and his subsequent struggle between his wife’s religious views and his desire to write a book that went against everything she believed. Directed by Jon Amiel, this is a moving adaptation from the book Annie’s Box that was written by Darwin’s great-great grandson.

Screen East’s locations team assisted the production throughout filming, helping to secure locations in the region. Sourced directly from Screen East’s location library, a private house in Hertfordshire was used as a double for Darwin’s Kent home. Filming also occurred at a private estate in Bedfordshire where scenes at the Malvern Guest House that Darwin visits was filmed.

Jamie Lengyel, Location Manager on Creation said: “We received invaluable help from Screen East in our search for Creation’s key locations, in particular the finding of an exceptional match for the home of Charles Darwin. Our three months filming at a private house in Hertfordshire – a house that captures the spirit of Darwin’s family life – provided us with an outstanding opportunity to recreate both interiors and exteriors of Darwin’s actual home in Kent”.

The film’s release coincides with the 200th anniversary of the British scientist’s birth and 150 years since his landmark book, The Origins of Species, was published. Earlier this year, the city of Cambridge also celebrated the anniversary hosting a special Darwin Festival marking Darwin’s success in laying the foundations of the theory of evolution and transforming the way we think about the natural world.

Charles Darwin began his studies at Christ’s College in Cambridge in 1828 and it was here where he developed a strong interest as an amateur naturalist. At Christ’s College today there is a large bronze bust of Darwin located in the College grounds and to mark his 200th birthday, a special garden has been created in the New Court as the location for a new bronze statue showing Darwin in his twenties. During his time spent in Cambridge, Darwin lived both on Sidney Street and Fitzwilliam Street, where today visitors will find stone plaques marking the locations out.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=18#item_18 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=19#item_19
British talent were celebrating last night when Little Dorrit was named as best mini-series and snapped up awards for outstanding writing, directing, art direction, costumes and cinematography. Little Dorrit follows the story of the Dorrit family’s journey from powerless to powerful, as their fortunes rise and fall. A somewhat hot topic given its contemporary relevance to the current global financial crisis.

Screen East assisted the BBC to source locations in the region and as a result, filming occurred on the Luton Hoo Estate in Bedfordshire and at Chenies Manor House and Gardens close to the border of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Vital to filming Little Dorrit were the locations that would help the production team turn back the clock to Dickensian times. With a range of period buildings in a commanding rural setting, the Luton Hoo Estate in Bedfordshire provided the perfect setting to recreate Dickensian London. The majority of the filming for Little Dorrit took place at the Luton Hoo Estate with the entire cast appearing in scenes at this location. Chenies Manor House and Gardens, which is open to the public, was used as the Meagle’s home and the spectacular gardens at Chenies were further enhanced when the BBC art department built a Victorian gazebo there.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=19#item_19 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=20#item_20
Glorious 39 supported by the Screen East Content Investment Fund and starring Romala Garai, Bill Nighy, Julie Christie and David Tennant will receive its Toronto world premiere tonight and a week later the film will feature in the London Film Festival programme.
The film is set between present-day London and the idyllic British countryside in the time before the beginning of the Second World War. At a time of uncertainty and high tension, the story revolves around the formidable Keyes family, who are keen to uphold and preserve their very traditional way of life. The eldest sibling Anne is a budding young actress who is in love with Foreign Office official Lawrence, but her seemingly perfect life begins to dramatically unravel when she stumbles across secret recordings of the anti-appeasement movement. Stephen Poliakoff - Director / Writer, Martin Pope - Producer, Barney Reisz – Producer. (Momentum Pictures).

The Scouting Book for Boys, also co-financed through the Screen East fund, will be screened in London on 21Tuesday October. Having grown up together on a caravan park on the Norfolk coast where their respective parents work, young teenagers David (Thomas Turgoose) and Emily (Holly Grainger) have become close friends, deeply reliant on each other for distractions and mischief. Tom Harper – Director, Jack Thorne – Writer, Christian Colson – Producer, Ivana Mackinnon – Producer. (Warner Bros Pictures UK/ Pathé Productions Ltd.)

Shed Your Tears and Walk Away will be screening on Tue 20 October, Thursday 22 October, and Friday 23 October. The market town of Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire has a reputation as being something of a bohemian idyll, a thriving tourist destination and a haven for an artistic community, for creative industries and for independent retailers. Filmmaker Jez Lewis grew up there, and was prone to question this image of the place, particularly as he was returning there frequently to attend funerals. A number of people he grew up with have developed drink and drug problems, while others have committed suicide, so he started out to make a film asking why people of his generation are killing themselves. Jez Lewis – Director, Rachel Wexler – Producer, (Bungalow Town Productions Ltd.)
The Screen East Content Investment Fund is an award of funding from the European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 Programme administered by GO East, Government Office for the East of England, and was successfully launched at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival with internationally celebrated director Michael Winterbottom and producer Andrew Eaton.

After much success on the summer festival circuit, short film After Tomorrow will be screened as part of the short film and animation programme in London, on 15 and 18 October. The Digital Short was nominated for a prestigious Palme d'Or in the Short Film Official Selection at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival and won Best British Short Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. It was written and directed by Suffolk-based Emma Sullivan, and produced by Annalise Davis from Wilder Films.

Laurie Hayward, Chief Executive of Screen East says: “Screen East is extremely proud to have its Content Investment Fund feature films screening at Toronto and the London Film Festival for the second year running. This fulfils our ambition to put the region on screen, and having provided sound production investments across film, documentary, TV and digital media to commercially viable productions, we have played a pivotal role in boosting the region’s employment and economic regeneration. The Fund created 60 new jobs and levered £5.25m from the private sector. This is testament of the impact of Screen East, a delegated Lottery distributor of the UK Film Council, financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund.”

Screen East Locations assisted Glorious 39 and The Scouting Book for Boys by sourcing locations, crew and facilities which resulted in extensive filming in Norfolk and Suffolk including Holkham Hall & Beach (Norfolk), Hunstanton Coastline (Norfolk), Lowestoft (Suffolk), Brancaster Beach (Norfolk) and Castle Acre Priory (Norfolk).
]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=20#item_20 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=7#item_7 The National Trust Stately Screenings brought to you by SKY in association with BAFTA and Screen East

If you love film, places steeped in history, enjoy al fresco dining with friends and family, and the idea of watching the stars, under the stars…then look out for a fantastic season of outdoor cinema with the National Trust. The Trust has teamed up with partners big in the movie world - Sky, The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and Screen East - to bring an exciting programme of outdoor cinema to two prestigious National Trust properties this summer; presenting the very best in contemporary and classic film in the grounds of grand houses oozing with atmosphere.

The programme kicks off at the impressive Wimpole Hall, near Royston Cambridgeshire on Friday 21 August with the ‘period hoot’ Easy Virtue, followed by Oscar and BAFTA award winning Atonement on Saturday 22 August. At Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, guests can see The Duchess starring Keira Knightley on Friday 28 August, or get into Abba – mania with Mamma Mia! on Saturday 29 August.

Each event begins at 8pm with screenings starting at approximately 8.45pm, subject to light conditions, extra treats like ‘behind the scenes’ introductions to the films and local archive footage, plus delicious food and drink on offer.

Tickets are priced at Adults £12, children £8 and Family £42, and include a complementary refreshment each on arrival.

Some of the films have a connection to the Trust properties: for example scenes for Easy Virtue were in fact shot at Wimpole Hall, and Ickworth House was the family home of the real-life character ‘Bess’ who features in The Duchess.

Picnics are welcome at each event, and the beautiful gardens that the Trust is famous for will be open beyond normal opening hours for people to wander around before the films begin. The films will be projected from a giant cinema screen, taking pride of place in the grounds of these great houses and providing a sumptuous backdrop for you to enjoy the best of recent cinema.

These new, exciting film events have been brought to you in partnership with Sky with additional support from BAFTA, Screen East and the Cambridge Film Trust.

For more information and to book tickets for Wimpole Hall, please call 01223 206000. For more information and to book tickets for Ickworth House, please contact The Theatre Royal Box Office on 01284 769505.]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=7#item_7 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=9#item_9
The benefits resulting from visiting production companies are huge. Screen East promotes the East of England as the first choice for film and TV production companies, particularly those from overseas. High profile U.S. productions and domestic television series bring cash into the local economy and offers employment for local industry professionals. Extremely beneficial in times of an economic down turn. Once a production has aired and proves popular, the region can benefit from a tourism effect if the location used is open to the public as more and more people want to tread in the footsteps of their favourite screen stars and literary characters.

Kerry Ixer, Head of Locations and Inward Investment at Screen East, said: “Production breeds production and once the industry knows a region can service its needs, and allow them to get on with the task at hand privately so as not to compromise a shoot, they come back time and time again. The increase in filming the region has experienced is one Screen East intends to stimulate with the ongoing support of those county councils and local authorities keen to generate more filming in their areas. In today’s challenging economic climate local businesses need inventive ways to diversify to generate income and location filming can contribute. It provides a valuable boost to income through location fees as well as offering employment to local crew and an opportunity for businesses to increase their bottom line by supporting a production whilst in the area. For those properties open to the public who secure a popular film or television series, location filming offers a promotional opportunity way beyond their advertising budget”.

Screen East is urging businesses in the East of England to make their offices and warehouses available as locations for film and TV productions. Kerry Ixer said: “We are receiving an ever increasing amount of enquiries from film and TV productions for office and warehouse space. We are currently assisting a number of big blockbusters in their search for temporary space of this kind as studio space in the UK is at capacity. This is a real opportunity for empty premises to reap financial reward from the film and TV industry”.

There is no charge to register with Screen East, so if you have a property that you would like to benefit from appearing on the big or small screen, register by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. Film and TV productions also require a variety of local infrastructure to support their shoot. If you have a business that supplies construction materials, taxis, catering, florists, dry cleaners, etc get in touch with Screen East and register on their facilities database.]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=9#item_9 Thu, 4 Jun 2009 EST http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=8#item_8 Kingdom returns to ITV1 this Sunday at 9pm and will once again showcase the beauty of Norfolk as well as other locations in the East of England

The six-part drama, which returns to the small screen on Sunday 7 June, follows the fortunes of Stephen Fry’s character, Peter Kingdom, an affable country solicitor in the picturesque Norfolk town of Market Shipborough (Swaffham). In the new series, Peter is now free from the havoc his late brother Simon provoked in the town and is looking forward to the future but the locals have plenty of issues to keep him busy including the problems of crop circles, an Iraq war victim’s bid for compensation and an encounter with animal liberationists.

Regional Screen Agency for the East of England, Screen East, supported the filming of the third series of Kingdom by assisting with locations and providing details of local crew and facilities to support their shoot. Norfolk County Council collaborated with Screen East to provide significant financial assistance, allowing Norfolk based talent to gain valuable vocational production training. This was achieved through the Xcellerate scheme administered by Screen East.

Sarah McBryde, Line Producer of Kingdom said: “On behalf of Kingdom 3 Productions I want to thank Screen East for all your help. The local information and crewing suggestions were most useful. I’m pleased that we were able to employ so many local trainees in almost all our departments. It’s great to be able to give people an opportunity to get into the industry and it’s always difficult to source new people without some kind of contact point like yourselves. Our filming has been very successful, with great support from the local community as always. I know that all the cast & crew had a great summer in Norfolk both in and out of working hours!”

Kingdom returned to Swaffham with filming also taking place in nearby Holkham Hall and Holkham Beach, Wells Harbour and Great Massingham. Series two of Kingdom was a big success for ITV1 in terms of audience figures both domestically and overseas, and has enabled Norfolk to benefit from a valuable boost to tourism in the area.

Stephen Fry said: “I grew up in Norfolk and I absolutely adore being back there. It is a beautiful place. It has a strange and mysterious beauty and one that is not similar to the beauty of any other county. Norfolk has become a real star since we started the series. That is one of the most pleasurable sides of what is known as the Kingdom effect in the county. Swaffham, which is where we are mainly based for filming Kingdom, has produced Market Shipborough rock, the local cabs have ‘Welcome to Kingdom Country’ written on them and the local hotel has a big display about Kingdom country”.

Screen East’s Head of Locations, Kerry Ixer, said: “Kingdom not only provides a fantastic showcase for Norfolk to visitors, the series successfully combines the county’s unique beauty, local skilled workforce and film friendliness providing a valuable boost to the local economy through both location filming as well as tourism. We are therefore delighted Kingdom is back on our screens for a third series ”.

If you would like to see your property appearing on the big or small screen, please contact Screen East for a free entry onto the Location Library by calling 01923 495051, emailing locations@screeneast.co.uk or by visiting www.screeneast.co.uk. They’d also like to hear from companies that could supply services such as those offered by dry cleaners, florists, wood suppliers and cleaning companies as well as crew who reside in the region.]]> http://www.shorthose-russell.co.uk/screeneast/news.aspx?id=8#item_8