The fund will re-open for a third round on January 9.
The Uncertain Kingdom development fund – a scheme that aims to address the challenges of filmmakers creating sustainable careers having previously made a feature – has named the projects that are to receive support from its second round of funding, including a documentary exploring the life of late UK politician Mo Mowlam.
The fund was set up originally in 2019 as a short film initiative, led my director and co-founder of UK production outfit Electric Shadow Company John Jencks, along with development executives Isabel Freer and Georgia Goggin, with 21 directors taking part to...
The Uncertain Kingdom development fund – a scheme that aims to address the challenges of filmmakers creating sustainable careers having previously made a feature – has named the projects that are to receive support from its second round of funding, including a documentary exploring the life of late UK politician Mo Mowlam.
The fund was set up originally in 2019 as a short film initiative, led my director and co-founder of UK production outfit Electric Shadow Company John Jencks, along with development executives Isabel Freer and Georgia Goggin, with 21 directors taking part to...
- 12/16/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Watch Digital Spy's interview with Sheridan Smith about Cilla
ITV's Cilla Black biopic, which starred Sheridan Smith in the title role, launched with bumper ratings last night. Cilla attracted the channel's biggest drama audience launch since a little old show called Broadchurch and it has also won rave reviews.
Smith has been singled out in particular for her incredible performance as the Liverpudlian popstar in the swinging '60s and the only criticism that some viewers seemed to have was that she was too good a singer when she performed as Cilla. High praise indeed. Here is a roundup of the critics and Twitter verdicts:
The Critics:
The Telegraph
"Smith sang her heart out, catching perfectly the bluesy belter within the girl next door, but rather than rushing her to fame, the action unfolded slowly enough to show her falling at the first hurdle as she became crippled with nerves singing for Brian Epstein.
ITV's Cilla Black biopic, which starred Sheridan Smith in the title role, launched with bumper ratings last night. Cilla attracted the channel's biggest drama audience launch since a little old show called Broadchurch and it has also won rave reviews.
Smith has been singled out in particular for her incredible performance as the Liverpudlian popstar in the swinging '60s and the only criticism that some viewers seemed to have was that she was too good a singer when she performed as Cilla. High praise indeed. Here is a roundup of the critics and Twitter verdicts:
The Critics:
The Telegraph
"Smith sang her heart out, catching perfectly the bluesy belter within the girl next door, but rather than rushing her to fame, the action unfolded slowly enough to show her falling at the first hurdle as she became crippled with nerves singing for Brian Epstein.
- 9/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Armando Iannucci interview: 'We didn't want Alpha Papa to be the equivalent of Holiday on the Buses'
The Alan Partridge writer on turning 50, 'Alanistas' and why Peter Capaldi will make a great Doctor Who
You turned 50 recently. How did you celebrate?
I went to the cinema in the middle of the day to see the new Woody Allen film, Blue Jasmine. As a special treat, my wife and I went to the cinema to sit among an audience of unemployed men and pensioners. And there was I, somewhere in the middle. Straddling both. My 50s feel Ok so far. Middle age has always been my natural age anyway.
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa was a huge hit this year, both critically and at the box office. Was that a relief?
We genuinely didn't know what to expect so the reaction was very refreshing. There's an Alan Partridge fanbase, obviously. There's still a collective out there of Alan aficionados. Afic-alan-ados. Alan-istas. But you don't know how much of that...
You turned 50 recently. How did you celebrate?
I went to the cinema in the middle of the day to see the new Woody Allen film, Blue Jasmine. As a special treat, my wife and I went to the cinema to sit among an audience of unemployed men and pensioners. And there was I, somewhere in the middle. Straddling both. My 50s feel Ok so far. Middle age has always been my natural age anyway.
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa was a huge hit this year, both critically and at the box office. Was that a relief?
We genuinely didn't know what to expect so the reaction was very refreshing. There's an Alan Partridge fanbase, obviously. There's still a collective out there of Alan aficionados. Afic-alan-ados. Alan-istas. But you don't know how much of that...
- 12/22/2013
- by Michael Hogan
- The Guardian - Film News
Why is it that Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Obama and Adele get all the love, while Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift and Peaches Geldof get it in the neck?
As the dust begins to settle on awards season, it becomes clear that some famous women get a lot more love than others. Rightly or wrongly, there are those whom everyone wants to make their instant best friend, and those who get it in the neck. Why is Adele so robustly likable, while the equally successful Taylor Swift often comes across like a wounded deer? Why would so many of us run into the nearest pub to neck shots with Jennifer Lawrence, and leave Anne Hathaway waiting in the car? Using deeply scientific methodology, we've uncovered the reasons behind this puzzling phenomenon.
Five women we love to love
Meryl Streep
The thing is, you don't always want a celeb to be "down to...
As the dust begins to settle on awards season, it becomes clear that some famous women get a lot more love than others. Rightly or wrongly, there are those whom everyone wants to make their instant best friend, and those who get it in the neck. Why is Adele so robustly likable, while the equally successful Taylor Swift often comes across like a wounded deer? Why would so many of us run into the nearest pub to neck shots with Jennifer Lawrence, and leave Anne Hathaway waiting in the car? Using deeply scientific methodology, we've uncovered the reasons behind this puzzling phenomenon.
Five women we love to love
Meryl Streep
The thing is, you don't always want a celeb to be "down to...
- 3/23/2013
- by Sophie Heawood
- The Guardian - Film News
The scene-stealing British actor doesn't like to name drop – but this time he has to make an exception
It's not the most pertinent place to be sitting talking about death, horror, the scariest films ever made and the precise tools and vegetables best employed by sound studios to recreate the breaking open of a human head. It's a bright sunny day in a quiet Southwark street, and we're enjoying a Friday afternoon tapas lunch in the window of Mar I Terra, a sweet Spanish place smelling gently of coffee and roasted peppers and welcomely if unaccountably – because the food's pretty good – empty. Apart from one couple bibulously set on making a whole afternoon if not evening of it, and me and Mr Jones.
The lack of clatter and clamour is partly why I was able to recognise him. Toby Jones is one of our most feted actors, and you'll certainly recognise some of his roles,...
It's not the most pertinent place to be sitting talking about death, horror, the scariest films ever made and the precise tools and vegetables best employed by sound studios to recreate the breaking open of a human head. It's a bright sunny day in a quiet Southwark street, and we're enjoying a Friday afternoon tapas lunch in the window of Mar I Terra, a sweet Spanish place smelling gently of coffee and roasted peppers and welcomely if unaccountably – because the food's pretty good – empty. Apart from one couple bibulously set on making a whole afternoon if not evening of it, and me and Mr Jones.
The lack of clatter and clamour is partly why I was able to recognise him. Toby Jones is one of our most feted actors, and you'll certainly recognise some of his roles,...
- 8/18/2012
- by Euan Ferguson
- The Guardian - Film News
She's won more Baftas than any other actress. Here, Julie Walters tells Euan Ferguson about her hippy years, life in the country and why it's never been a better time to be a woman on TV
Other multiple Bafta- and Emmy-winning actresses might have flung toys from the pram, or at least raised a manicured eyebrow. The restaurant at the photo studio had courteously but undeniably told her they'd run out of basically everything she might have wanted. Julie Walters smiled and forgave, and smiled again, and pretended to enjoy choosing the remaining dreadful rabbit-food option. Then, out of the waiter's sight, laughed like a drain when I suggested she'd have had better luck choosing from the other (blank) side of the menu; then turned down my offer of a cup of coffee instead because, "No, I'd talk you to death if I had a cup of coffee."
Without caffeine,...
Other multiple Bafta- and Emmy-winning actresses might have flung toys from the pram, or at least raised a manicured eyebrow. The restaurant at the photo studio had courteously but undeniably told her they'd run out of basically everything she might have wanted. Julie Walters smiled and forgave, and smiled again, and pretended to enjoy choosing the remaining dreadful rabbit-food option. Then, out of the waiter's sight, laughed like a drain when I suggested she'd have had better luck choosing from the other (blank) side of the menu; then turned down my offer of a cup of coffee instead because, "No, I'd talk you to death if I had a cup of coffee."
Without caffeine,...
- 5/19/2012
- by Euan Ferguson
- The Guardian - Film News
The 'Bad Romance' hitmaker presented 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance' executive producer Nigel Lythgoe with the honorary International Emmy Founders Award and expressed her gratitude for "all the early opportunities he gave me to perform on TV".
Also paying tribute to the $140 million he has raised for charity through the Dizzy Feet Foundation and 'Idol Gives Back' and hailing him as her "favourite producer", she added: “He has always helped to nurture and foster my ideas, no matter how crazy or demographic-unfriendly they may have been.
“He always spoke poetically about the pursuit of widening the boundaries of love and acceptance in TV.”
Following a video tribute from 'American Idol' judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez and the programme's host Ryan Seacrest, Nigel used his speech to mock former friend Simon Cowell.
Referring to the villain in the 'Harry Potter franchise, he...
Also paying tribute to the $140 million he has raised for charity through the Dizzy Feet Foundation and 'Idol Gives Back' and hailing him as her "favourite producer", she added: “He has always helped to nurture and foster my ideas, no matter how crazy or demographic-unfriendly they may have been.
“He always spoke poetically about the pursuit of widening the boundaries of love and acceptance in TV.”
Following a video tribute from 'American Idol' judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez and the programme's host Ryan Seacrest, Nigel used his speech to mock former friend Simon Cowell.
Referring to the villain in the 'Harry Potter franchise, he...
- 11/23/2011
Julie Walters and Christopher Eccleston are among the British winners at the International Emmys. The duo picked up the 'Best Performance' gongs at the event, which was held in New York last night (November 21). Eccleston beat Brazilian actor Fábio Assunção, South Korea's Jang Hyuk and Sweden's Michael Nyqvist - from the popular Millennium - to take home the prize for his role in BBC One's Accused. Walters beat Nygvist's co-star Noomi Rapace as well as Hong Kong's Athena Chu Yan and Assunção's colleague Adriana Esteves to win the award for her portrayal of Mo Mowlam in Channel 4's Mo. Mo was also nominated in the 'Mini-Series' category, but was beaten by Millennium. Other British winners included Gareth Malone, who won the prize for arts programming for Gareth (more)...
- 11/22/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Christopher Eccleston and Julie Walters garnered the main acting awards as British TV productions won five International Emmys, including two for the BBC crime anthology Accused.
Accused, written and created by Jimmy McGovern, received the Emmy for best drama series at the 39th Annual International Emmy Awards ceremony at the Hilton New York Hotel. The anthology tells the stories of people accused of crimes as they sit in holding cells beneath the courtroom awaiting the verdict in their trials.
The ceremony kicked off with a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga, wearing a tattooed-thigh-revealing, floor-length black gown and oversize sunglasses. She...
Accused, written and created by Jimmy McGovern, received the Emmy for best drama series at the 39th Annual International Emmy Awards ceremony at the Hilton New York Hotel. The anthology tells the stories of people accused of crimes as they sit in holding cells beneath the courtroom awaiting the verdict in their trials.
The ceremony kicked off with a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga, wearing a tattooed-thigh-revealing, floor-length black gown and oversize sunglasses. She...
- 11/22/2011
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside TV
British productions dominated the 2011 International Emmy Awards in the U.S. on Monday night, picking up five out of a possible 10 awards, including Best Actress for veteran star Julie Walters.
The Harry Potter actress picked up the trophy for her portrayal of the U.K.'s late Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam in biopic Mo.
Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston was named Best Actor for BBC1 drama Accused, which also picked up Best Drama Series at the glitzy event.
Other British productions to triumph at the New York ceremony included Gareth Malone Goes to Glyndebourne for best arts programme, while the production company which created the show, Twenty Twenty Television, won the non-scripted entertainment award for The World's Strictest Parents.
Pop superstar Lady Gaga was a surprise attendee at the ceremony, which was hosted by Jason Priestley at the Big Apple's Hilton Hotel, when she turned up on stage to present an honorary prize to American Idol's executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe.
The Poker Face hitmaker branded the Brit her favourite TV executive at the event.
Other winners included Canadian show Life with Murder, which picked up the best documentary prize, and Swedish crime drama Millennium, which was honoured with the best TV movie or mini-series title.
The International Emmys honour the best TV productions created outside of the U.S.
The Harry Potter actress picked up the trophy for her portrayal of the U.K.'s late Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam in biopic Mo.
Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston was named Best Actor for BBC1 drama Accused, which also picked up Best Drama Series at the glitzy event.
Other British productions to triumph at the New York ceremony included Gareth Malone Goes to Glyndebourne for best arts programme, while the production company which created the show, Twenty Twenty Television, won the non-scripted entertainment award for The World's Strictest Parents.
Pop superstar Lady Gaga was a surprise attendee at the ceremony, which was hosted by Jason Priestley at the Big Apple's Hilton Hotel, when she turned up on stage to present an honorary prize to American Idol's executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe.
The Poker Face hitmaker branded the Brit her favourite TV executive at the event.
Other winners included Canadian show Life with Murder, which picked up the best documentary prize, and Swedish crime drama Millennium, which was honoured with the best TV movie or mini-series title.
The International Emmys honour the best TV productions created outside of the U.S.
- 11/22/2011
- WENN
The British star's performance of Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam - who died aged 55 from a brain tumour in 2005 – in 'Mo' will go up against Adriana Esteves in 'Songs of Betrayal', Noomi Rapace in 'Millennium' and Athena Chu Yan in 'A Wall-less World'. 'Mo' detailed the later years of the politician as she struggled to deal with her own medical issues and fight for peace in Northern Ireland, and has also been nominated in the best TV Movie/Mini-Series category. In the Best Actor list, former 'Doctor Who' star Christopher Eccleston ('Accused') will fight Fabio Assuncao from 'Songs of Betrayal', Jang Hyuk's 'The Slave Hunters' and Michael Nyqvist in 'Millennium'. Singapore series 'The Noose Season 3' has been nominated in the Best Comedy series, against 'Benidorm Bastards' from Belgium, Britain's 'Facejacker' – where members of the public are duped by fictional characters played...
- 10/6/2011
- IrishCentral
Julie Walters as Mo Mowlam, Mo British and Brazilian television productions topped the 2011 International Emmy Award nominations, announced Monday, Sept. 3, at the international film and television market and convention Mipcom in Cannes. UK programs received seven nods; Brazilian shows were right behind with six nods. Among the International Emmy nominees who have made a splash in the international movie world is two-time Oscar nominee Julie Walters (Educating Rita, Billy Elliot) up for an Emmy for the British drama Mo, about outspoken, cancer-stricken politician Mo Mowlam. Also, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist are in the running for their performances in a Swedish television series based on Stieg Larson's Millennium trilogy. The 2011 International Emmy Awards list comprises 40 nominees from 20 different countries. In addition to the UK, Brazil, and Sweden, TV productions from Chile, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Germany, among others, are vying in 10 categories.
- 10/5/2011
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Britain will lead the way at the International Emmy Awards after scooping seven top nominations, including recognition for actors Julie Walters and Christopher Eccleston.
Walters will compete for the Best Actress prize for her role in Mo, in which she portrayed the U.K.'s late Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, while the drama itself is up for Best TV Movie/Miniseries.
Former Doctor Who star Eccleston is nominated for Best Actor for his role in Jimmy McGovern's Accused, while Sherlock, the popular reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, has received a nod for Best Drama.
Productions from Brazil landed six nominations, including acting nods for Fabio Assuncao and Adriana Esteves and their TV movie Songs of Betrayal, while Swedish small screen projects have earned three nominations - all for the mini-series Millennium, based on late author Stieg Larsson's crime trilogy.
The International Emmy Awards celebrate TV productions made outside of the U.S. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in New York on 21 November.
Walters will compete for the Best Actress prize for her role in Mo, in which she portrayed the U.K.'s late Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, while the drama itself is up for Best TV Movie/Miniseries.
Former Doctor Who star Eccleston is nominated for Best Actor for his role in Jimmy McGovern's Accused, while Sherlock, the popular reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, has received a nod for Best Drama.
Productions from Brazil landed six nominations, including acting nods for Fabio Assuncao and Adriana Esteves and their TV movie Songs of Betrayal, while Swedish small screen projects have earned three nominations - all for the mini-series Millennium, based on late author Stieg Larsson's crime trilogy.
The International Emmy Awards celebrate TV productions made outside of the U.S. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in New York on 21 November.
- 10/3/2011
- WENN
Read the winning entries from 2010
Overall Winner
Film, 14-18s
Alice in Wonderland by Rebecca Grant, 15
Tim Burton has snatched the beautifully eccentric odyssey that we once lovingly knew as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, wrung it dry of anything resembling the endearingly capricious originality of the children's classic, and slung the disgusting dregs into a pretentious, Disneyfied quest movie replete with, frankly, un-special effects.
Burton's insistence that his film was not a re-imagining or sequel to other "Alice movies" made me wonder whether he had actually read the book at all. Nineteen-year-old Alice, played by the apparently tranquilised Mia Wasikowska, spends a disproportionate amount of time at the beginning of the movie prancing around in a tediously twee caricature of Victorian high society. When the dopey antagonist finally wiggles her way into Wonderland, we are ambushed by the White Rabbit, the Dormouse, the Dodo, Tweedledum and Tweedledee all at once,...
Overall Winner
Film, 14-18s
Alice in Wonderland by Rebecca Grant, 15
Tim Burton has snatched the beautifully eccentric odyssey that we once lovingly knew as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, wrung it dry of anything resembling the endearingly capricious originality of the children's classic, and slung the disgusting dregs into a pretentious, Disneyfied quest movie replete with, frankly, un-special effects.
Burton's insistence that his film was not a re-imagining or sequel to other "Alice movies" made me wonder whether he had actually read the book at all. Nineteen-year-old Alice, played by the apparently tranquilised Mia Wasikowska, spends a disproportionate amount of time at the beginning of the movie prancing around in a tediously twee caricature of Victorian high society. When the dopey antagonist finally wiggles her way into Wonderland, we are ambushed by the White Rabbit, the Dormouse, the Dodo, Tweedledum and Tweedledee all at once,...
- 6/19/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Julie Walters saw off competition from Dame Maggie Smith and Helena Bonham Carter to take the Best Actress prize at Britain's Broadcasting Press Guild Awards on Friday.
The Mamma Mia! star was handed the trophy for her role as Northern Ireland politician Mo Mowlam in TV biopic Mo, which aired in the U.K. last year.
The awards - which are voted for by British journalists - also feted Julian Fellowes' hit TV series Downton Abbey, which was named Best Drama, while Benedict Cumberbatch was voted Best Actor for Sherlock.
The trophies were presented in a ceremony at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Friday.
The Mamma Mia! star was handed the trophy for her role as Northern Ireland politician Mo Mowlam in TV biopic Mo, which aired in the U.K. last year.
The awards - which are voted for by British journalists - also feted Julian Fellowes' hit TV series Downton Abbey, which was named Best Drama, while Benedict Cumberbatch was voted Best Actor for Sherlock.
The trophies were presented in a ceremony at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Friday.
- 3/25/2011
- WENN
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding was among the winners at the 37th British Press Guild TV and Radio Awards The Cutting Edge series took home the 'Best Single Documentary' gong after racking up record-breaking ratings figures. Channel 4's Mo claimed the 'Best Single Drama' title and also earned Julie Walters a gong for her portrayal of the late politician Mo Mowlam. Elsewhere, Miranda picked up the 'Best Comedy' title, Downton Abbey took home the 'Best Drama', while Lord Alan Sugar's The Apprentice triumphed in the 'Best Factual Entertainment' category. The 37th Broadcasting Press Guild TV and Radio Awards - The Winners: Best Single Drama
Mo Best Drama Series
Downton Abbey
(more)...
Mo Best Drama Series
Downton Abbey
(more)...
- 3/25/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
British actors David Tennant and Jim Broadbent are set to go head-to-head for the Best Actor prize at the U.K.'s Royal Television Society Programme Awards.
Tennant's turn in small screen drama Single Father and Broadbent's role in Any Human Heart have been recognised with nominations at the annual ceremony. They will go up against Johnny Harris, star of This Is England '86.
Veteran star Julie Walters has been shortlisted for the Best Actress trophy for her lead role in Mo, alongside Natalie Press (Five Daughters) and Vicky McClure (This Is England '86).
Mo, a biopic of late British politician Mo Mowlam, is also up for best drama writing and single drama.
The awards are due to be handed out on 15 March in London.
Tennant's turn in small screen drama Single Father and Broadbent's role in Any Human Heart have been recognised with nominations at the annual ceremony. They will go up against Johnny Harris, star of This Is England '86.
Veteran star Julie Walters has been shortlisted for the Best Actress trophy for her lead role in Mo, alongside Natalie Press (Five Daughters) and Vicky McClure (This Is England '86).
Mo, a biopic of late British politician Mo Mowlam, is also up for best drama writing and single drama.
The awards are due to be handed out on 15 March in London.
- 3/2/2011
- WENN
Hattie Jacques, the young lodger, and poor John Le Mesurier – what a Carry On
Mary Portas: Secret Shopper - were we left short-changed?
What do you do when you walk into your own bedroom to find your wife in the sack with the lodger? Well, obviously you pull him off (no, not like that!), beat the crap out of him and toss him out into the street, whimpering and naked. Then you storm out, find someone younger and more attractive than your wife, and jump into bed with her, in order to restore some self-esteem.
Poor John Le Mesurier, played by Robert Bathurst in Hattie (BBC4), does pretty much the opposite. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he stammers, when he finds his wife Hattie Jacques Carrying On with her handsome young driver. He probably knew about it already, but had been trying – like a child with his eyes squeezed tightly...
Mary Portas: Secret Shopper - were we left short-changed?
What do you do when you walk into your own bedroom to find your wife in the sack with the lodger? Well, obviously you pull him off (no, not like that!), beat the crap out of him and toss him out into the street, whimpering and naked. Then you storm out, find someone younger and more attractive than your wife, and jump into bed with her, in order to restore some self-esteem.
Poor John Le Mesurier, played by Robert Bathurst in Hattie (BBC4), does pretty much the opposite. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he stammers, when he finds his wife Hattie Jacques Carrying On with her handsome young driver. He probably knew about it already, but had been trying – like a child with his eyes squeezed tightly...
- 1/20/2011
- by Sam Wollaston
- The Guardian - Film News
Last year, when Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman director in history to win the Best Director Oscar, it was an eye-opening moment for many film fans that had never before noticed the dominance of men in Hollywood.
But it was no revelation to Melissa Silverstein, who founded the site Women and Hollywood, to focus attention on women’s issues in the entertainment industry. Silverstein has become one of the most respected film critics on the Internet by celebrating the accomplishments of women in film — and calling out the industry for its lack of acknowledgment of those accomplishments. If the site is not on your list of daily reads, bookmark it now.
Now Melissa has taken on a new venture, this time a film festival featuring films that explore women and leadership. The Athena Film Festival will highlight the stories of women around the world who have made a difference in their communities.
But it was no revelation to Melissa Silverstein, who founded the site Women and Hollywood, to focus attention on women’s issues in the entertainment industry. Silverstein has become one of the most respected film critics on the Internet by celebrating the accomplishments of women in film — and calling out the industry for its lack of acknowledgment of those accomplishments. If the site is not on your list of daily reads, bookmark it now.
Now Melissa has taken on a new venture, this time a film festival featuring films that explore women and leadership. The Athena Film Festival will highlight the stories of women around the world who have made a difference in their communities.
- 1/5/2011
- by the linster
- AfterEllen.com
The Athena Film Festival has lined up its first program of narrative and documentary films, which will unspool February 10 to 13, 2011 on the Barnard Campus in New York City. In keeping with the fest's women in Hollywood focus, Sundance Film Festival doc entry Miss Representation explores the media’s disparaging portrayals of women via interviews with Katie Couric, Nancy Pelosi, Rosario Dawson, Lisa Ling, Catherine Hardwicke and Geena Davis. Biopic Desert Flower, based on the bestseller, narrates the life of Waris Dirie, from African refugee to supermodel. (Trailer below.) The festival will debut in the U.S. BBC Worldwide's Mo, starring Julie Walters as Mo Mowlam, the no-nonsense Brit politician who brokered the Good Friday Peace Agreement, and will present three shorts programs, including 12 ...
- 12/15/2010
- Thompson on Hollywood
Julie Walters on ageism, sexism in television and mistaking her dog for a wig
For one of our most recognisable actors, it is surprising how little Julie Walters actually gets recognised. When we meet, in the foyer of the Southbank Centre, London, she is pottering around in the lunchtime rush without anyone tapping her on the shoulder to ask her whether she is, in fact, Ron Weasley's mother in the Harry Potter films.
"I'm quite good at not meeting anyone's eye," Walters says, sipping a cup of peppermint tea. "Generally, it's fine when people come up to you. Obviously, it depends what you're doing at the time. You don't particularly want to be recognised when you're having a cap fitted."
Presumably, it is this ability to merge chameleon-like into the crowd that makes Walters, 60, one of our most talented and versatile actresses. Over the last 30 years, Walters has clocked up...
For one of our most recognisable actors, it is surprising how little Julie Walters actually gets recognised. When we meet, in the foyer of the Southbank Centre, London, she is pottering around in the lunchtime rush without anyone tapping her on the shoulder to ask her whether she is, in fact, Ron Weasley's mother in the Harry Potter films.
"I'm quite good at not meeting anyone's eye," Walters says, sipping a cup of peppermint tea. "Generally, it's fine when people come up to you. Obviously, it depends what you're doing at the time. You don't particularly want to be recognised when you're having a cap fitted."
Presumably, it is this ability to merge chameleon-like into the crowd that makes Walters, 60, one of our most talented and versatile actresses. Over the last 30 years, Walters has clocked up...
- 11/28/2010
- by Elizabeth Day
- The Guardian - Film News
Veteran British actress Julie Walters was stunned when her hair grew back after shaving it to portray politician Mo Mowlam - because she had no idea what her natural color was. The "Mamma Mia!" star has dyed her hair red for decades, but cut her locks off to play the late Northern Ireland Secretary of State in a TV biopic, which screened in the U.K. earlier this year.
Walters admits it was a "very odd" experience being bald and she resorted to wearing a wig. The actress was shocked when her hair grew back gray - but she likes the color so much, she's keeping it.
She says, "I would never have known what color it was - I've always dyed it. It's only when I shaved it for Mo Mowlam... that was a real shock."
"It was really weird. I looked like all my mother's male relatives. Not attractive.
Walters admits it was a "very odd" experience being bald and she resorted to wearing a wig. The actress was shocked when her hair grew back gray - but she likes the color so much, she's keeping it.
She says, "I would never have known what color it was - I've always dyed it. It's only when I shaved it for Mo Mowlam... that was a real shock."
"It was really weird. I looked like all my mother's male relatives. Not attractive.
- 11/15/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Veteran British actress Julie Walters was stunned when her hair grew back after shaving it to portray politician Mo Mowlam - because she had no idea what her natural colour was.
The Mamma Mia! star has dyed her hair red for decades, but cut her locks off to play the late Northern Ireland Secretary of State in a TV biopic, which screened in the U.K. earlier this year.
Walters admits it was a "very odd" experience being bald and she resorted to wearing a wig.
The actress was shocked when her hair grew back grey - but she likes the colour so much, she's keeping it.
She says, "I would never have known what colour it was - I've always dyed it. It's only when I shaved it for Mo Mowlam... that was a real shock.
"It was really weird. I looked like all my mother's male relatives. Not attractive. It was very odd. Your head's not the shape you expect it to be, the bumps and all of that. I had to wear this awful acrylic wig."...
The Mamma Mia! star has dyed her hair red for decades, but cut her locks off to play the late Northern Ireland Secretary of State in a TV biopic, which screened in the U.K. earlier this year.
Walters admits it was a "very odd" experience being bald and she resorted to wearing a wig.
The actress was shocked when her hair grew back grey - but she likes the colour so much, she's keeping it.
She says, "I would never have known what colour it was - I've always dyed it. It's only when I shaved it for Mo Mowlam... that was a real shock.
"It was really weird. I looked like all my mother's male relatives. Not attractive. It was very odd. Your head's not the shape you expect it to be, the bumps and all of that. I had to wear this awful acrylic wig."...
- 11/14/2010
- WENN
Veteran actress Julie Walters has urged TV companies to invest more in drama productions, because the shows are "important" to viewers.
The Harry Potter star is a popular small screen regular in her native U.K. and she scooped the Best Leading Actress statue for her role as late British Labour Party politician Mo Mowlam in Mo at Sunday night's British Academy (BAFTA) Television Awards.
And Walters is calling on TV executives to pour more cash into hard-hitting programmes.
She says, "Important drama touches people. I'm not saying it changes the world but seeds are planted. It's really important and, yes, the money should be made available."...
The Harry Potter star is a popular small screen regular in her native U.K. and she scooped the Best Leading Actress statue for her role as late British Labour Party politician Mo Mowlam in Mo at Sunday night's British Academy (BAFTA) Television Awards.
And Walters is calling on TV executives to pour more cash into hard-hitting programmes.
She says, "Important drama touches people. I'm not saying it changes the world but seeds are planted. It's really important and, yes, the money should be made available."...
- 6/7/2010
- WENN
Melvyn Bragg and Simon Cowell awarded gongs; BBC up for more awards than other broadcasters
The Bafta winners in full
Julie Walters made a plea last night for more money to be allocated to drama as she scooped the leading actress award at the TV Baftas for her portrayal of the late Labour politician Mo Mowlam.
"Important drama touches people," said the actor, who was honoured for her role in the Channel 4 production Mo, but had also been nominated for her performance in A Short Stay In Switzerland, the BBC1 drama inspired by the story of Dr Anne Turner, who took her own life in Zurich in 2006.
"I'm not saying it changes the world, but seeds are planted. It's really important and, yes, the money should be made available," Walters said.
Her call came on a night when Channel 4's teen drama Misfits won the award for the best drama series,...
The Bafta winners in full
Julie Walters made a plea last night for more money to be allocated to drama as she scooped the leading actress award at the TV Baftas for her portrayal of the late Labour politician Mo Mowlam.
"Important drama touches people," said the actor, who was honoured for her role in the Channel 4 production Mo, but had also been nominated for her performance in A Short Stay In Switzerland, the BBC1 drama inspired by the story of Dr Anne Turner, who took her own life in Zurich in 2006.
"I'm not saying it changes the world, but seeds are planted. It's really important and, yes, the money should be made available," Walters said.
Her call came on a night when Channel 4's teen drama Misfits won the award for the best drama series,...
- 6/7/2010
- by James Robinson
- The Guardian - Film News
Simon Cowell was delighted after taking home two prizes at the British Academy (BAFTA) Television Awards in London on Sunday.
The former American Idol judge received a standing ovation as he accepted the Special Award for his contributions to broadcasting at the star-studded ceremony.
He told the crowd, "This is a genuine honour; I wasn't expecting it. I've had a blast; I've been able to do things I never thought I'd be able to do but I've done it because I genuinely have the most talented group of people working with me on the shows. It's an army of people (and) this award genuinely is more deserving to them than it is to me so I'm going to share it around.
"To put this in perspective on a personal level, one of my happiest memories as a kid was when my dad came home with a colour TV set. (I was) about five years old and all my friends came back from school and we just watched the one programme that was in colour.
"It was one of the best moments of my life so for me to be standing here tonight getting an award for making TV shows, it's the happiest feeling in the world and I'm genuinely grateful."
Cowell graced the stage once again later in the evening as his hit reality TV contest Britain's Got Talent scooped the BAFTA for Best Entertainment Programme.
Kenneth Branagh won the Best Leading Actor trophy for his role in Wallander, beating fellow Harry Potter star John Hurt, who was nominated for his part in An Englishman in New York.
Harry Potter's Julie Walters was also triumphant as she picked up the Best Leading Actress statue for her turn as British Labour Party politician Mo Mowlam in Mo, while U.S. TV hit Mad Men was named the Best International programme.
The former American Idol judge received a standing ovation as he accepted the Special Award for his contributions to broadcasting at the star-studded ceremony.
He told the crowd, "This is a genuine honour; I wasn't expecting it. I've had a blast; I've been able to do things I never thought I'd be able to do but I've done it because I genuinely have the most talented group of people working with me on the shows. It's an army of people (and) this award genuinely is more deserving to them than it is to me so I'm going to share it around.
"To put this in perspective on a personal level, one of my happiest memories as a kid was when my dad came home with a colour TV set. (I was) about five years old and all my friends came back from school and we just watched the one programme that was in colour.
"It was one of the best moments of my life so for me to be standing here tonight getting an award for making TV shows, it's the happiest feeling in the world and I'm genuinely grateful."
Cowell graced the stage once again later in the evening as his hit reality TV contest Britain's Got Talent scooped the BAFTA for Best Entertainment Programme.
Kenneth Branagh won the Best Leading Actor trophy for his role in Wallander, beating fellow Harry Potter star John Hurt, who was nominated for his part in An Englishman in New York.
Harry Potter's Julie Walters was also triumphant as she picked up the Best Leading Actress statue for her turn as British Labour Party politician Mo Mowlam in Mo, while U.S. TV hit Mad Men was named the Best International programme.
- 6/6/2010
- WENN
The Northen Ireland shot biopic, 'Mo' which chronicles the life of the late Labour MP and former Northern Ireland Secretary, Mo Mowlam came away from last night's BAFTA craft awards clutching three awards whilst Guy Hibbert was lauded for his script for 'Five Minutes of Heaven' and 'Small Island's Martin Phipps won the best Original Televison Music Award. Northern Irish shot productions 'Mo', 'Five Minutes of Heaven' and 'Small Island' all came away from the 2010 BAFTA Television Craft awards with prizes. 'Mo' was the night's big winner with Philip Martin winning the award for Director Fiction, Kristina Hetherington for Editing Fiction and Chrissie Baker receiving the prize for her Hair and Make-Up work for the drama. 'Mo' is an ITV Studios production for Channel 4.
- 5/26/2010
- IFTN
Julie Walters' star turn as British politician Mo Mowlam dominated the British Academy Television Craft Awards on Sunday, picking up three top honours.
The actress played the Labour Party politician in Mo, and, on Sunday, it earned awards for Best Director: Fiction, Best Editing: Fiction and Best Make-up and Hair Design at the Craft Awards.
Gritty drama Red Riding was a double winner, scooping Best Costume Design and Best Photograph & Lighting: Fiction.
Simon Cowell's The X Factor fought off competition from The Apprentice, Britain's Got Talent and Top Gear to pick up the Best Entertainment Production Team honour.
Coronation Street, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was handed the 2010 Special Award prize.
The actress played the Labour Party politician in Mo, and, on Sunday, it earned awards for Best Director: Fiction, Best Editing: Fiction and Best Make-up and Hair Design at the Craft Awards.
Gritty drama Red Riding was a double winner, scooping Best Costume Design and Best Photograph & Lighting: Fiction.
Simon Cowell's The X Factor fought off competition from The Apprentice, Britain's Got Talent and Top Gear to pick up the Best Entertainment Production Team honour.
Coronation Street, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was handed the 2010 Special Award prize.
- 5/24/2010
- WENN
Although Daniel Radcliffe was snubbed two years ago by the BAFTA TV Awards -- the British equivalent of the Emmy Awards -- for his performance in the telefilm "My Boy Jack," six of his older "Harry Potter" co-stars are contending in top races at this year's kudos. Leading that list is Julie Walters, the on-screen mother of Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), who competes with herself in the best actress race. All four of the nominated performances are for real-life roles -- Walters as politico Mo Mowlam in "Mo" and assisted suicide advocate Anne Turner in "A Short Stay in Switzerland"; Helena Boham Carter -- the dastardly Bellatrix LeStrange in "Harry Potter" -- as beloved children's...
- 5/10/2010
- by tomoneil
- Gold Derby
Veteran British actress Julie Walters agreed to shave her head to play beloved U.K. politician Mo Mowlam in a TV biopic, because she is "too old" to get up early and spend hours in the make-up chair.
The Mamma Mia! star cut off her hair to play Mowlam, the late Northern Ireland Secretary of State who helped negotiate the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which kick-started the troubled country's peace process.
Mowlam famously refused to wear a wig after losing most of her hair following radiotherapy treatment for a brain tumour, and Walters insisted on going bald to perfect her character.
And the star admits shaving her locks saved her from the misery of donning heavy prosthetic make-up.
She tells Britain's Daily Express newspaper, "We went through a camera test with a bald cap. Bald caps are notoriously dreadful - they're such an encumbrance. My face was completely encased in plaster and polythene, and I had a panic attack. They spent four hours fitting the cap, and it still wasn't right - I could see the join. I thought I can't come in at 4am every morning for something that's not going to work - I'm too old for that. So I said, 'What if I shave my head?', and the make-up lady replied, 'I've been waiting for you to say that.' It was a weird feeling. I felt very naked when I'd done it - more naked than if I'd had no clothes on.
"It may have been a difficult thing to do, but there's no doubt that shaving my head really did get me into the part."...
The Mamma Mia! star cut off her hair to play Mowlam, the late Northern Ireland Secretary of State who helped negotiate the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which kick-started the troubled country's peace process.
Mowlam famously refused to wear a wig after losing most of her hair following radiotherapy treatment for a brain tumour, and Walters insisted on going bald to perfect her character.
And the star admits shaving her locks saved her from the misery of donning heavy prosthetic make-up.
She tells Britain's Daily Express newspaper, "We went through a camera test with a bald cap. Bald caps are notoriously dreadful - they're such an encumbrance. My face was completely encased in plaster and polythene, and I had a panic attack. They spent four hours fitting the cap, and it still wasn't right - I could see the join. I thought I can't come in at 4am every morning for something that's not going to work - I'm too old for that. So I said, 'What if I shave my head?', and the make-up lady replied, 'I've been waiting for you to say that.' It was a weird feeling. I felt very naked when I'd done it - more naked than if I'd had no clothes on.
"It may have been a difficult thing to do, but there's no doubt that shaving my head really did get me into the part."...
- 2/1/2010
- WENN
Julie Walters has been praised for her starring role in drama Mo, which focussed upon the life and work of late MP Mo Mowlam. Shown as a two-hour film last night on Channel 4, the politician's successor Vera Baird lauded Walters's performance to the Northern Echo. "Julie Walters becomes Mo. She walks like her, talks like her and, in the end, cries as if she had suffered all the bitterness of Mo's situation. It was very touching, especially the portrait of Jon and her together. "Mo had a superb political mind as well as the wacky personality with which she broke the ice in Northern Ireland and won everybody's hearts. I think that aspect of her doesn't emerge strongly enough and the bitterness towards the end of her life is overdone," (more)...
- 2/1/2010
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Julie Walters has admitted that she almost turned down the chance to play Mo Mowlam in a new biopic about the late politician's life. The actress was confirmed for the Channel 4 drama project last June and the one-off programme, titled Mo, is to air on Sunday night. Mo will tell the story of Mowlam's work in the Labour party, her role in the Northern Ireland peace talks and her battle against cancer. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Walters has now admitted that she initially felt she could not do the role justice because she considers herself to (more)...
- 1/29/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam deliberately misled then British Prime Minster Tony Blair about her brain tumor before she took over the job of Northern Ireland secretary, it has been revealed. A new film, based on the evidence of her doctor who has agreed to release the medical information, will make clear that Mowlam was far sicker than anyone thought when she played a key role in the Northern Irish peace process. Her husband authorized the doctor to release the information. Mowlam, who died from the tumor in 2005, was actually told in1996 by her doctor, Mark Glaser, that her brain tumour was malignant and that she had about three years to live . Yet she told Blair and political colleagues that it was benign. After Labor's 1997 victory Mowlam was made Northern Ireland Secretary and played a major role in moving the Irish peace process forward. She was known for her informal style,...
- 1/17/2010
- IrishCentral
He could be warm and witty... or cruel and obnoxious. But there was never any doubt he was a true artist. We recall the life and times of Ian Dury, now the subject of both a new film and biography
In Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, the new Ian Dury biopic, there is a scene that faithfully records the first time Dury met his songwriting partner, Chaz Jankel. It is May 1976 and the singer has just hobbled off stage after a particularly ramshackle London pub gig with his band of bedraggled misfits, Kilburn & the High Roads. The young, clean-cut Jankel strolls into the dressing room, grinning widely, and introduces himself. "Do I know you?" asks Dury, fixing him with a malevolent stare. "No," replies Jankel, still grinning. "Well do us a favour then," barks Dury, "and fuck off!"
Kilburn's guitarist Ed Speight convinced Jankel to return to the dressing room. In doing so,...
In Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, the new Ian Dury biopic, there is a scene that faithfully records the first time Dury met his songwriting partner, Chaz Jankel. It is May 1976 and the singer has just hobbled off stage after a particularly ramshackle London pub gig with his band of bedraggled misfits, Kilburn & the High Roads. The young, clean-cut Jankel strolls into the dressing room, grinning widely, and introduces himself. "Do I know you?" asks Dury, fixing him with a malevolent stare. "No," replies Jankel, still grinning. "Well do us a favour then," barks Dury, "and fuck off!"
Kilburn's guitarist Ed Speight convinced Jankel to return to the dressing room. In doing so,...
- 11/29/2009
- by Sean O'Hagan
- The Guardian - Film News
Acting legend Julie Walters is so determined to play late U.K. politician Mo Mowlam convincingly in an upcoming TV movie, she has shaved her hair off.
The Oscar nominee will portray Mowlam's compelling political rise under former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as her death from a brain tumour in 2005.
And Walters has decided to shave her own head rather than wear a wig in Mo, a drama for British television network Channel 4.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "Julie didn't have to shave her hair but she'll go to any length to get into character."
The one-off film is currently shooting in Northern Ireland and is due to air in the U.K. next year.
The Oscar nominee will portray Mowlam's compelling political rise under former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as her death from a brain tumour in 2005.
And Walters has decided to shave her own head rather than wear a wig in Mo, a drama for British television network Channel 4.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "Julie didn't have to shave her hair but she'll go to any length to get into character."
The one-off film is currently shooting in Northern Ireland and is due to air in the U.K. next year.
- 6/4/2009
- WENN
Julie Walters has signed up to play the late former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam in a one-off Channel 4 drama, it has emerged. The Educating Rita actress will star alongside David Haig in the film, which will cover Mowlam's rise in the Labour party, her role in the Northern Ireland peace talks and her battle against brain cancer. Channel 4 head of drama Liza Marshall said: "Mo Mowlam is one of the (more)...
- 6/4/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Oscar nominated actress Julie Walters (Billy Elliot, Educating Rita) stars as former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam in a new single drama 'Mo' for transmission on Channel 4 in 2010. Filming begins in Northern Ireland this month. The drama, written by Neil McKay (See No Evil: The Moors Murders, Innocents, Wall of Silence, Dunkirk), will be a compelling account of Mowlam's life depicting her rise to prominence in New Labour and her part in the extraordinary events that led to peace in Northern Ireland, as well as an intimate story of love and bravery. Mo Mowlam's family are in full support of the project. The all star cast also includes David Haig; Gary Lewis; Toby Jones; Adrian Dunbar; John Lynch; Eoin McCarthy and Steven Mackintosh.
- 5/26/2009
- IFTN
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