Ben Stiller and Cate Blanchett are teaming up to turn the 1960s espionage television series “The Champions” into a movie.
In addition to acting, Stiller is directing the upcoming film adaptation. Blanchett is producing through her company Dirty Films, and Stiller is producing through his label Red Hour Productions. Additional producers include ITV Studios America and New Republic Pictures.
“The Champions” movie, paying homage to the TV show from Dennis Spooner, follows three United Nations agents whose plane crashes into the Himalayas. Upon being rescued by an advanced civilization secretly living in Tibet, they are granted enhanced intellectual and physical abilities. When the agents return to the outside world, they use their new superhuman abilities to become champions of law, order and justice.
“’Champions’ is a long-forgotten gem that will excite a new generation in the same strange and magnificent way that the original series spoke to us. I’ve...
In addition to acting, Stiller is directing the upcoming film adaptation. Blanchett is producing through her company Dirty Films, and Stiller is producing through his label Red Hour Productions. Additional producers include ITV Studios America and New Republic Pictures.
“The Champions” movie, paying homage to the TV show from Dennis Spooner, follows three United Nations agents whose plane crashes into the Himalayas. Upon being rescued by an advanced civilization secretly living in Tibet, they are granted enhanced intellectual and physical abilities. When the agents return to the outside world, they use their new superhuman abilities to become champions of law, order and justice.
“’Champions’ is a long-forgotten gem that will excite a new generation in the same strange and magnificent way that the original series spoke to us. I’ve...
- 11/11/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
ITV has hit a mighty milestone - first launched on September 22, 1955, the home of The X Factor, Downton Abbey and more is 60 years old today.
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
- 9/22/2015
- Digital Spy
ITV has hit a mighty milestone - first launched on September 22, 1955, the home of The X Factor, Downton Abbey and more is 60 years old today.
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
- 9/22/2015
- Digital Spy
The sad passing of actress Alexandra Bastedo earlier this month saw many recalling and celebrating her work on '60s spy-fi series The Champions - just one entry in the canon of cult programme makers Itc Entertainment.
Though it also branched out into film production - with the likes of 1976's The Eagle Has Landed and 1982's The Dark Crystal - Itc was best known throughout the 1960s and '70s for its raft of cult TV programming, with shows like The Champions making an indelible screen icon of Bastedo and others like her.
These shows are now world-renowned - The Saint, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds - but the team behind them still go sadly unsung.
This week, the Week in Geek is looking to redress the balance with a fond tribute to Itc Entertainment - one of the UK's very best, most influential production teams.
Sherlock: The Problem of the Vanishing Detective
Doctor Who,...
Though it also branched out into film production - with the likes of 1976's The Eagle Has Landed and 1982's The Dark Crystal - Itc was best known throughout the 1960s and '70s for its raft of cult TV programming, with shows like The Champions making an indelible screen icon of Bastedo and others like her.
These shows are now world-renowned - The Saint, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds - but the team behind them still go sadly unsung.
This week, the Week in Geek is looking to redress the balance with a fond tribute to Itc Entertainment - one of the UK's very best, most influential production teams.
Sherlock: The Problem of the Vanishing Detective
Doctor Who,...
- 1/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Glamorous star of the 1960s television adventure series The Champions who went on to run an animal sanctuary
Alexandra Bastedo, who has died of cancer aged 67, found fame and sex-symbol status playing the secret agent and scientist Sharron Macready in the 1960s television fantasy series The Champions. She appeared with William Gaunt as Richard Barrett and Stuart Damon as Craig Stirling in the show about three agents working for the Geneva-based law-enforcement organisation Nemesis who gain superhuman powers after being rescued from a plane crash in Tibet by a mysterious lost tribe. With computer-like intelligence and Olympian levels of strength and endurance, they can communicate by telepathy and are assigned to cases where world stability is under threat.
It was one of the globally successful series made by the television mogul Lew Grade's international production and distribution company Itc. Bastedo described her butt-kicking character as a "gutsy girl before...
Alexandra Bastedo, who has died of cancer aged 67, found fame and sex-symbol status playing the secret agent and scientist Sharron Macready in the 1960s television fantasy series The Champions. She appeared with William Gaunt as Richard Barrett and Stuart Damon as Craig Stirling in the show about three agents working for the Geneva-based law-enforcement organisation Nemesis who gain superhuman powers after being rescued from a plane crash in Tibet by a mysterious lost tribe. With computer-like intelligence and Olympian levels of strength and endurance, they can communicate by telepathy and are assigned to cases where world stability is under threat.
It was one of the globally successful series made by the television mogul Lew Grade's international production and distribution company Itc. Bastedo described her butt-kicking character as a "gutsy girl before...
- 1/14/2014
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
Alexandra Bastedo has passed away at the age of 67.
The actress, who was best known for her role in 1968 sci-fi series The Champions, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday (January 12), theatre director and close friend Roger Redfarn confirmed.
Hove-born Bastedo was discovered by Columbia Pictures at the age of 16 and sent to Hollywood to make horror film 13 Frightened Girls.
She later landed the role of Sharron Macready in The Champions, which ran for 30 episodes on ITV between 1968 and '69.
The show, which also starred Stuart Damon and William Gaunt, centred around three agents for a United Nations law enforcement organisation who gain superpowers after a plane crash.
Watch the opening sequence of The Champions below:
Bastedo's other TV credits include an episode of Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 and EastEnders, in which she played Cynthia Marshall between 2008 and 2009. She also appeared in 1967 movie Casino Royale and 1995's Batman Begins.
Bastedo dated...
The actress, who was best known for her role in 1968 sci-fi series The Champions, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday (January 12), theatre director and close friend Roger Redfarn confirmed.
Hove-born Bastedo was discovered by Columbia Pictures at the age of 16 and sent to Hollywood to make horror film 13 Frightened Girls.
She later landed the role of Sharron Macready in The Champions, which ran for 30 episodes on ITV between 1968 and '69.
The show, which also starred Stuart Damon and William Gaunt, centred around three agents for a United Nations law enforcement organisation who gain superpowers after a plane crash.
Watch the opening sequence of The Champions below:
Bastedo's other TV credits include an episode of Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 and EastEnders, in which she played Cynthia Marshall between 2008 and 2009. She also appeared in 1967 movie Casino Royale and 1995's Batman Begins.
Bastedo dated...
- 1/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Cinema Retro Has Received The Following Press Release:
This is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies, and over the years
have seen different names and organizers and now follows directly on directly from
Collector’s Film Convention’s. Organized for the past 18 years by Ed Mason.
Held six times a year at London’s Central Hall Westminster.
The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK , Europe , Us , Canada ,
Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia.
Items covering the history of Cinema can be found. From the silents to the present.
Not just appealing to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students.
But a must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television!
Celebrity guests include Susan Hampshire, William Gaunt, Alexandra Bastedo, Shane Rimmer and Virginia Hey.
For details visit web site by clicking here...
This is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies, and over the years
have seen different names and organizers and now follows directly on directly from
Collector’s Film Convention’s. Organized for the past 18 years by Ed Mason.
Held six times a year at London’s Central Hall Westminster.
The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK , Europe , Us , Canada ,
Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia.
Items covering the history of Cinema can be found. From the silents to the present.
Not just appealing to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students.
But a must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television!
Celebrity guests include Susan Hampshire, William Gaunt, Alexandra Bastedo, Shane Rimmer and Virginia Hey.
For details visit web site by clicking here...
- 2/23/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The Celebrity line-up has been announced for this month's Winter Memorabilia Show at the NEC, near Birmingham.
Movie stars, TV personalities and sporting legends will be meeting fans and giving autographs at the UK convention.
Game of Thrones actors Finn Jones, Roxanne McKee, James Cosmo (above), Miltos Yerolemou (below) and Spencer Wilding will be among those in attendance - and they're bringing the hit fantasy series' iconic Iron Throne along with them.
James Cosmo (Braveheart, Highlander) plays Jeor Mormont, the 997th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and the estranged father of Ser Jorah, while Roxanne McKee (Hollyoaks) plays Doreah, a handmaid and companion of Daenerys Targaryen who schools the young princess in the art of love.
Attending Memorabilia on November 19 only, Finn Jones plays the handsome Ser Loras Tyrell, a champion jouster known as the Knight of Flowers.
Miltos Yerolemou plays Syrio Forel, former First Sword of the Sealord of Braavos,...
Movie stars, TV personalities and sporting legends will be meeting fans and giving autographs at the UK convention.
Game of Thrones actors Finn Jones, Roxanne McKee, James Cosmo (above), Miltos Yerolemou (below) and Spencer Wilding will be among those in attendance - and they're bringing the hit fantasy series' iconic Iron Throne along with them.
James Cosmo (Braveheart, Highlander) plays Jeor Mormont, the 997th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and the estranged father of Ser Jorah, while Roxanne McKee (Hollyoaks) plays Doreah, a handmaid and companion of Daenerys Targaryen who schools the young princess in the art of love.
Attending Memorabilia on November 19 only, Finn Jones plays the handsome Ser Loras Tyrell, a champion jouster known as the Knight of Flowers.
Miltos Yerolemou plays Syrio Forel, former First Sword of the Sealord of Braavos,...
- 11/14/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
From sci-fi to soaps, cult TV to classic comedy, Memorabilia Birmingham is a Mecca for collectors, film buffs and sci-fi fans – and HeyUGuys has five pairs of Saturday early entry e-tickets to give away for the 19-20 November show at NEC Birmingham.
This year’s Memorabilia guest list includes Kai Owen (Torchwood); Sir Derek Jacobi (The King’s Speech, I Claudius); Colin Baker (Doctor Who); Arthur Darvill (Doctor Who); Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Babylon 5); John Challis (Only Fools And Horses); Doctor Who companions Katy Manning, Sophie Aldred, Deborah Watling, Sarah Sutton and Louise Jameson and five of the cast of HBO fantasy hit Game of Thrones.
Other stars meeting fans and signing autographs at the show include Marshall Lancaster (Ashes To Ashes, Life On Mars); Anthony Valentine (Coronation Street); Ian Ogilvy (Return Of The Saint); Alexandra Bastedo (The Champions); Barry Howard (Hi-De-Hi!); Susan Jameson (New Tricks, Coronation Street); Peter Egan...
This year’s Memorabilia guest list includes Kai Owen (Torchwood); Sir Derek Jacobi (The King’s Speech, I Claudius); Colin Baker (Doctor Who); Arthur Darvill (Doctor Who); Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Babylon 5); John Challis (Only Fools And Horses); Doctor Who companions Katy Manning, Sophie Aldred, Deborah Watling, Sarah Sutton and Louise Jameson and five of the cast of HBO fantasy hit Game of Thrones.
Other stars meeting fans and signing autographs at the show include Marshall Lancaster (Ashes To Ashes, Life On Mars); Anthony Valentine (Coronation Street); Ian Ogilvy (Return Of The Saint); Alexandra Bastedo (The Champions); Barry Howard (Hi-De-Hi!); Susan Jameson (New Tricks, Coronation Street); Peter Egan...
- 11/11/2011
- by Competitons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
TV and film make-up artist with a gift for applying prosthetics
The television and film make-up artist Jane Royle, who has died aged 78, was admired by fellow professionals for her all-round ability to bring a look to the screen that was as important as that contributed by the director of photography or production designer. She could go from ensuring Izabella Scorupco looked stunningly beautiful as a Bond girl in GoldenEye (1995) to making actors appear hideous, old, scarred, bruised, bearded or bald. Royle particularly enjoyed applying prosthetics – to which she referred as "the stickies".
For the 1979 Sherlock Holmes film Murder By Decree, she simulated the wrenched-out innards of prostitutes killed by Jack the Ripper. One of her most memorable transformations was the complete prosthetic makeover – wrinkled face, bulbous nose, pointy ears and flowing hair and whiskers – she gave Billy Barty for his cowardly dwarf character, Screwball, in the fantasy film Legend (1985).
Later,...
The television and film make-up artist Jane Royle, who has died aged 78, was admired by fellow professionals for her all-round ability to bring a look to the screen that was as important as that contributed by the director of photography or production designer. She could go from ensuring Izabella Scorupco looked stunningly beautiful as a Bond girl in GoldenEye (1995) to making actors appear hideous, old, scarred, bruised, bearded or bald. Royle particularly enjoyed applying prosthetics – to which she referred as "the stickies".
For the 1979 Sherlock Holmes film Murder By Decree, she simulated the wrenched-out innards of prostitutes killed by Jack the Ripper. One of her most memorable transformations was the complete prosthetic makeover – wrinkled face, bulbous nose, pointy ears and flowing hair and whiskers – she gave Billy Barty for his cowardly dwarf character, Screwball, in the fantasy film Legend (1985).
Later,...
- 3/8/2011
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
Roderick Mann, an internationally respected journalist and author who wrote about show business for more than 40 years in London and Hollywood, died Sept. 17 in Los Angeles. He was 87.
Mann's wife, Anastasia Kostoff Mann, said he had been battling dementia and Alzheimer's disease for the past 14 months.
As the entertainment feature writer at London's Sunday Express from the 1950s through the 1980s, Mann's interviews with motion picture and stage luminaries were not only widely read and syndicated throughout the world, they often resulted in lifelong friendships with famed actors including Cary Grant, David Niven and Richard Burton.
He was closest to Grant, whom Mann thought of as an older brother, while Niven credited him as the impetus to write his autobiography. Mann was the confidant of his superstar friends and noted for never betraying their trust. Other actor friends included Alexandra Bastedo, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak and Anthony Hopkins.
In 1978, Mann...
Mann's wife, Anastasia Kostoff Mann, said he had been battling dementia and Alzheimer's disease for the past 14 months.
As the entertainment feature writer at London's Sunday Express from the 1950s through the 1980s, Mann's interviews with motion picture and stage luminaries were not only widely read and syndicated throughout the world, they often resulted in lifelong friendships with famed actors including Cary Grant, David Niven and Richard Burton.
He was closest to Grant, whom Mann thought of as an older brother, while Niven credited him as the impetus to write his autobiography. Mann was the confidant of his superstar friends and noted for never betraying their trust. Other actor friends included Alexandra Bastedo, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak and Anthony Hopkins.
In 1978, Mann...
- 9/17/2010
- by By Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This Weekend's Spring Memorabilia 2010, at Birmingham's NEC, features several comic book writers and artists among its special guests.
Among those in the convention's Comic City will be Coventry-based Al Davison, whose work includes Idw's Doctor Who comic book (pictured) and DC's House of Mystery.
I carried an interview with Al in November, in which he gave his verdict on comic book movies such as The Dark Knight and Watchmen, and his views on the best and worst of the genre. You can read that article here.
Other comics talent at the event include Mike Collins (Spider-Man, Transformers, 2000Ad, Star Trek), Keith Burns (Devashard, Spy School, Boys), Hunt Emmerson (Beano, Fiesta, Fortean Times), John McCrea (many Marvel and DC titles), Lee Bradley (Transformers, Spider-Man), Lew Stringer (all major publishers), Kat Nicholson (Marvel Heroes, Action Man Atom, Scooby Doo), Jason Cardy (Henry V) and Laura Howell (Beano, Toxic).
Other guests at the...
Among those in the convention's Comic City will be Coventry-based Al Davison, whose work includes Idw's Doctor Who comic book (pictured) and DC's House of Mystery.
I carried an interview with Al in November, in which he gave his verdict on comic book movies such as The Dark Knight and Watchmen, and his views on the best and worst of the genre. You can read that article here.
Other comics talent at the event include Mike Collins (Spider-Man, Transformers, 2000Ad, Star Trek), Keith Burns (Devashard, Spy School, Boys), Hunt Emmerson (Beano, Fiesta, Fortean Times), John McCrea (many Marvel and DC titles), Lee Bradley (Transformers, Spider-Man), Lew Stringer (all major publishers), Kat Nicholson (Marvel Heroes, Action Man Atom, Scooby Doo), Jason Cardy (Henry V) and Laura Howell (Beano, Toxic).
Other guests at the...
- 3/26/2010
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
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