Actress Sharon Stone recalls a traumatic incident in 2001 when she was rushed to the hospital due to a brain haemorrhage that forced her to step away from her career for two years, an absence she believes contributed to her exclusion from the movie industry for two decades.
Speaking on the ‘Turkish Tea Talk with Alex Salmond’ show, Stone opened up about her struggles with mental health: “We’re all trying to confront our demons, and we’re all acting out – me, too, and trying to figure out how to keep getting back up, keep helping people up even if we put them down, and make sure we’re all backup.”
Stone, who works with the World Health Organization, emphasised that one in ten people “on a global level” are in the grip of a “mental crisis”.
She said people should be trying to fix themselves instead of relying on political...
Speaking on the ‘Turkish Tea Talk with Alex Salmond’ show, Stone opened up about her struggles with mental health: “We’re all trying to confront our demons, and we’re all acting out – me, too, and trying to figure out how to keep getting back up, keep helping people up even if we put them down, and make sure we’re all backup.”
Stone, who works with the World Health Organization, emphasised that one in ten people “on a global level” are in the grip of a “mental crisis”.
She said people should be trying to fix themselves instead of relying on political...
- 4/28/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s broadcast standards investigation into Gb News has found the channel to be in breach of its impartiality rules.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program about the upcoming budget. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party.
Ofcom received 45 complaints from viewers who raised concerns that the program had failed to preserve due impartiality.
The investigation found that “the program was overwhelmingly reflective of the viewpoints of different strands of opinion within the Conservative Party. There were only very limited references to wider perspectives on U.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program about the upcoming budget. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party.
Ofcom received 45 complaints from viewers who raised concerns that the program had failed to preserve due impartiality.
The investigation found that “the program was overwhelmingly reflective of the viewpoints of different strands of opinion within the Conservative Party. There were only very limited references to wider perspectives on U.
- 9/18/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
As three separate investigations involving serving politicians also acting as newsreaders are underway, Melanie Dawes, chief executive of U.K. media regulator Ofcom, has clarified the body’s position on the matter.
In an article originally published in the Telegraph and subsequently on the Ofcom website on Tuesday, Dawes wrote: “The Broadcasting Code is clear that serving politicians cannot be a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news program, unless there is an exceptional editorial justification. And in those exceptional cases, their political allegiance must be made clear to the audience. News programs will usually involve newsreaders directly addressing the audience, and may include reporter packages or live reports, with a mix of video and reporter items.”
Dawes added that outside of news programs, such as current affairs formats which typically feature more in-depth discussion, analysis, interviews and long-form video reports, there’s no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving...
In an article originally published in the Telegraph and subsequently on the Ofcom website on Tuesday, Dawes wrote: “The Broadcasting Code is clear that serving politicians cannot be a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news program, unless there is an exceptional editorial justification. And in those exceptional cases, their political allegiance must be made clear to the audience. News programs will usually involve newsreaders directly addressing the audience, and may include reporter packages or live reports, with a mix of video and reporter items.”
Dawes added that outside of news programs, such as current affairs formats which typically feature more in-depth discussion, analysis, interviews and long-form video reports, there’s no Ofcom rule that prevents a serving...
- 7/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
UK regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into shows hosted by politicians on Gb News and TalkTV, including one featuring a segment on Donald Trump’s civil trial.
The first investigation concerns former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation for right-leaning Gb News in which the recently-knighted Boris Johnson supporter covered a breaking news story about the verdict involving the former Potus.
State of the Nation received 40 Ofcom complaints. Both Gb News and TalkTV have of late been using politicians to host topical shows but they have consistently stayed within the realms of the regulator’s Broadcasting Code as they are allowed to interview other politicians and discuss topical issues as long as due impartiality is met. Rees-Mogg’s show may have strayed as politicians are not allowed to act as newsreaders unless under “exceptional circumstances.”
The regulator will also investigate an episode of Talk TV’s Richard Tice...
The first investigation concerns former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation for right-leaning Gb News in which the recently-knighted Boris Johnson supporter covered a breaking news story about the verdict involving the former Potus.
State of the Nation received 40 Ofcom complaints. Both Gb News and TalkTV have of late been using politicians to host topical shows but they have consistently stayed within the realms of the regulator’s Broadcasting Code as they are allowed to interview other politicians and discuss topical issues as long as due impartiality is met. Rees-Mogg’s show may have strayed as politicians are not allowed to act as newsreaders unless under “exceptional circumstances.”
The regulator will also investigate an episode of Talk TV’s Richard Tice...
- 7/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched broadcast standards investigations into TalkTV, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and Gb News after receiving complaints.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, Ofcom revealed that it is investigating an episode of “State of the Nation” on Gb News, which aired on May 9, after receiving 40 complaints. Presented by Conservative member of parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg, the episode covered a breaking news story about a civil trial verdict involving former U.
The issue of politicians who also serve as newsreaders being in potential breach of Ofcom’s impartiality rules has cropped up in recent months. In April, Ofcom launched an investigation into Gb News over an interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt to Esther McVey and Philip Davies on March 11 on the “Saturday Morning with Esther and Philip” news program. All three politicians are members of parliament representing the ruling Conservative party. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, Ofcom revealed that it is investigating an episode of “State of the Nation” on Gb News, which aired on May 9, after receiving 40 complaints. Presented by Conservative member of parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg, the episode covered a breaking news story about a civil trial verdict involving former U.
- 7/3/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood writer and director Kirk Jones is to helm Vertigo Films’ buzzy upcoming drama series You’ve Been Trumped, marking his first foray into television drama.
The Waking Ned, Nanny McPhee and What to Expect When You’re Expecting director will write and direct the four part series, which is based on Anthony Baxter’s award-winning 2011 documentary of the same name about the small Scottish community who stood up to Donald Trump and his golf course development.
Jones has completed the scripts, which will likely employ the black humour and deep-rooted emotional sensibility of Baxter’s doc.
Set on one of Europe’s most environmentally sensitive stretches of coast on Scotland’s Northeast coastline, the drama charts the unbelievable true story of what happens when everyday people take on one of the world’s most famous, divisive, and powerful families. Deadline first revealed news of the project in November 2020.
Before becoming President,...
The Waking Ned, Nanny McPhee and What to Expect When You’re Expecting director will write and direct the four part series, which is based on Anthony Baxter’s award-winning 2011 documentary of the same name about the small Scottish community who stood up to Donald Trump and his golf course development.
Jones has completed the scripts, which will likely employ the black humour and deep-rooted emotional sensibility of Baxter’s doc.
Set on one of Europe’s most environmentally sensitive stretches of coast on Scotland’s Northeast coastline, the drama charts the unbelievable true story of what happens when everyday people take on one of the world’s most famous, divisive, and powerful families. Deadline first revealed news of the project in November 2020.
Before becoming President,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. media regulator Ofcom has found that the BBC’s News at Six program breached its rules and made “significant mistakes” in reporting on a Scottish political scandal.
The incident, which took place in Feb 2021, saw BBC Scotland editor Sarah Smith reporting live on a segment about former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond. The story related to a number of sexual harassment claims against Salmond (which he denies) and how they were handled by his successor Nicola Sturgeon.
During the segment, Smith reported: “Alex Salmond said he believes Nicola Sturgeon has misled Parliament and broken the Ministerial Code, which he thinks means she should resign.”
However, Salmond had explicitly said it was not for him to say what the consequences should be for Sturgeon.
The BBC did not apologize for the error but acknowledged it in a number of other ways including posting a summary on the BBC complaints...
The incident, which took place in Feb 2021, saw BBC Scotland editor Sarah Smith reporting live on a segment about former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond. The story related to a number of sexual harassment claims against Salmond (which he denies) and how they were handled by his successor Nicola Sturgeon.
During the segment, Smith reported: “Alex Salmond said he believes Nicola Sturgeon has misled Parliament and broken the Ministerial Code, which he thinks means she should resign.”
However, Salmond had explicitly said it was not for him to say what the consequences should be for Sturgeon.
The BBC did not apologize for the error but acknowledged it in a number of other ways including posting a summary on the BBC complaints...
- 3/7/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a review of the Russian-backed Rt channel’s license in the nation.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries asked regulator Ofcom to look into the network after opposition Labour Leader Keir Starmer urged a ban yesterday of the “Russian propaganda tool,” in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As with the U.S. and other European nations, the UK government has ordered sanctions on several key Russian individuals and the Rt move represents the latest in the UK’s fightback.
Speaking at today’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Johnson said it should be up to Ofcom not politicians to make the decision on Rt, which used to be called Russia Today and is mainly a news network. Prominent UK politicians including former Scottish National Party Leader Alex Salmond have previously appeared on the channel.
“We live in a democracy, and we live in a...
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries asked regulator Ofcom to look into the network after opposition Labour Leader Keir Starmer urged a ban yesterday of the “Russian propaganda tool,” in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As with the U.S. and other European nations, the UK government has ordered sanctions on several key Russian individuals and the Rt move represents the latest in the UK’s fightback.
Speaking at today’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Johnson said it should be up to Ofcom not politicians to make the decision on Rt, which used to be called Russia Today and is mainly a news network. Prominent UK politicians including former Scottish National Party Leader Alex Salmond have previously appeared on the channel.
“We live in a democracy, and we live in a...
- 2/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinema chain reverses decision not to show film about Scottish hero in Scotland
Cineworld has decided to show a new film about the Scottish warrior king Robert the Bruce after a campaign, backed by the former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and the Snp MP Carol Monaghan, accused the cinema chain of effectively “burying” it.
Cineworld was not going to show Robert the Bruce, which had its world premiere at the Edinburgh international film festival on 23 June, in Scotland for “commercial reasons”, but after a campaign led by its star and writer Angus Macfadyen – who also played the role in Braveheart – it will now show in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Falkirk.
Cineworld has decided to show a new film about the Scottish warrior king Robert the Bruce after a campaign, backed by the former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and the Snp MP Carol Monaghan, accused the cinema chain of effectively “burying” it.
Cineworld was not going to show Robert the Bruce, which had its world premiere at the Edinburgh international film festival on 23 June, in Scotland for “commercial reasons”, but after a campaign led by its star and writer Angus Macfadyen – who also played the role in Braveheart – it will now show in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Falkirk.
- 7/3/2019
- by Lanre Bakare
- The Guardian - Film News
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival, will embark on it’s 70th year, and will celebrate from Aug. 4 through Aug. 28. Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017 Highlights of the show include a two-week show with the former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond. “Alex Salmond Unleashed” will run from Aug. 13-27 to sold-out crowds […]
Source: uInterview
The post What To Expect At The 70th Edinburgh Fringe Festival appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post What To Expect At The 70th Edinburgh Fringe Festival appeared first on uInterview.
- 8/1/2017
- by Hillary Luehring-Jones
- Uinterview
Nick Robinson has compared protests over the BBC's coverage of the Scottish independence referendum to the treatment of journalists in "Putin's Russia".
The 51-year-old, who recently stepped down as the BBC's political editor to join Radio 4, caused controversy last year following a confrontation with then-snp leader Alex Salmond.
He accused Salmond of failing to answer a question regarding the possibility Rbs would leave Scotland in the event of a Yes vote, which led to accusations of bias from a number of campaigners.
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Robinson said: "I didn't think my offence was sufficient to justify 4,000 people marching on the BBC's headquarters.
"Young men and women who are new to journalism had - like they do in Putin's Russia - to fight their way through crowds of protesters, frightened as to how they do their jobs."
He also criticised what he described as "coded" language used...
The 51-year-old, who recently stepped down as the BBC's political editor to join Radio 4, caused controversy last year following a confrontation with then-snp leader Alex Salmond.
He accused Salmond of failing to answer a question regarding the possibility Rbs would leave Scotland in the event of a Yes vote, which led to accusations of bias from a number of campaigners.
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Robinson said: "I didn't think my offence was sufficient to justify 4,000 people marching on the BBC's headquarters.
"Young men and women who are new to journalism had - like they do in Putin's Russia - to fight their way through crowds of protesters, frightened as to how they do their jobs."
He also criticised what he described as "coded" language used...
- 8/21/2015
- Digital Spy
Ukip leader Nigel Farage has been invited to take part in one of three leaders' debates to be held before the next General Election.
Broadcasters BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 have announced their initial proposals for the televised debates, which will take place in April 2015. In a further change, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg would take part in just two of the three debates, having spoken at all three prior to the 2010 election.
The plans - which the broadcasters say reflect "changes in the political landscape" since the last election in 2010 - are as follows:
One head-to-head debate featuring the current prime minister, Conservative party leader David Cameron, and leader of the opposition, Labour party leader Ed Miliband. Hosted by Jeremy Paxman and introduced by Kay Burley, this will air on Sky and Channel 4;
One debate featuring Cameron, Miliband and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Broadcasters BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 have announced their initial proposals for the televised debates, which will take place in April 2015. In a further change, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg would take part in just two of the three debates, having spoken at all three prior to the 2010 election.
The plans - which the broadcasters say reflect "changes in the political landscape" since the last election in 2010 - are as follows:
One head-to-head debate featuring the current prime minister, Conservative party leader David Cameron, and leader of the opposition, Labour party leader Ed Miliband. Hosted by Jeremy Paxman and introduced by Kay Burley, this will air on Sky and Channel 4;
One debate featuring Cameron, Miliband and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats.
- 10/13/2014
- Digital Spy
The voting has officially come to a close, and Scotland has decided to stay in the United Kingdom. Over two million people cast their ballots on Thursday in the landmark referendum, with 55% voting against independence while 45% voted in favor, according to BBC News. Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, has also announced this morning that he will step down after leading his party for a total of 20 years following the independence rejection, BBC reports. "We welcome the result of yesterday's referendum on Scottish independence and congratulate the people of Scotland for their full and energetic exercise of democracy," President Barack Obama said Friday morning in a statement....
- 9/19/2014
- E! Online
Imagine the scene: a group of Hollywood big-wigs are sitting around their glass desk, dressed in 80s power suits (yes, they’re so out of touch they Still dress like its 1985), debating what film they can remake next. Then it hits them! Today is the day of the Scottish Referendum, the day England and Scotland go to political “war” (see, told you they’re out of touch). Of course, they thought, the last time Hollywood mined Scottish and English history it was a barnstorming box-office success. So why not try it again? If Braveheart could be a hit with all it’s historical inaccuracies, why couldn’t they make another historical epic?
So they began to research the referendum. Scotland want independence. Check. Scotland wants its own political landscape. Check? The English politicians are terrified that other countries in the “United Kingdom” will follow suit. Check. Even more than that,...
So they began to research the referendum. Scotland want independence. Check. Scotland wants its own political landscape. Check? The English politicians are terrified that other countries in the “United Kingdom” will follow suit. Check. Even more than that,...
- 9/18/2014
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The first thought that pops into the mind watching filmmaker Anthony Baxter’s follow-on film to You’ve Been Trumped (2011), A Dangerous Game is, can there really be that many people needing to play golf on Planet Earth? The rest is a powerful expose of the usual greed, arrogance and miscommunication that such documentaries are so apt at stoking. This second film is no exception, with the filmmakers getting right under the international skin while tussling Trump’s quiff once more. It’s as thrilling at getting the wealthy’s back up as it is educational and genuinely concerning.
In A Dangerous Game – doubling up as a nickname for ‘golf’ here, Baxter and team (writer Richard Phinney) go up against other corporate ‘villains’, picking up where the previous film/investigation left off, including revisiting at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. They also delve into the effects a proposed luxury...
In A Dangerous Game – doubling up as a nickname for ‘golf’ here, Baxter and team (writer Richard Phinney) go up against other corporate ‘villains’, picking up where the previous film/investigation left off, including revisiting at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. They also delve into the effects a proposed luxury...
- 9/15/2014
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
New Tricks rose slightly from last week to win the ratings outside soaps on Bank Holiday Monday, overnight data reveals.
The BBC One drama climbed by around 50,000 viewers to an average audience of 5.84 million (23.8%) at 9pm.
Earlier, a different slot for Countryfile appealed to 4.30m (23.5%) at 6pm, followed by coverage of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2014 with 4.53m (21.0%) at 7pm. A repeat of Miranda amused 3.33m (13.8%) at 8.30pm, while a look back on the career of Lord Richard Attenborough was seen by 2.26m (17.5%) at 10.35pm.
BBC Two's University Challenge quizzed 2.65m (11.2%) at 8pm. The Scotland Decides debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling educated 1.66m (6.8%) at 9pm.
On ITV, Countrywise gathered 2.49m (10.5%) at 8pm (109k/0.4% on +1), followed by the latest Long Lost Family with 3.28m (13.4%) at 9pm (249k/1.5%).
Channel 4's Food Unwrapped was seen by 777k (3.4%) at 7.30pm (157k/0.6%), while Richard Ayoade's Gadget Man returned with 995k...
The BBC One drama climbed by around 50,000 viewers to an average audience of 5.84 million (23.8%) at 9pm.
Earlier, a different slot for Countryfile appealed to 4.30m (23.5%) at 6pm, followed by coverage of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2014 with 4.53m (21.0%) at 7pm. A repeat of Miranda amused 3.33m (13.8%) at 8.30pm, while a look back on the career of Lord Richard Attenborough was seen by 2.26m (17.5%) at 10.35pm.
BBC Two's University Challenge quizzed 2.65m (11.2%) at 8pm. The Scotland Decides debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling educated 1.66m (6.8%) at 9pm.
On ITV, Countrywise gathered 2.49m (10.5%) at 8pm (109k/0.4% on +1), followed by the latest Long Lost Family with 3.28m (13.4%) at 9pm (249k/1.5%).
Channel 4's Food Unwrapped was seen by 777k (3.4%) at 7.30pm (157k/0.6%), while Richard Ayoade's Gadget Man returned with 995k...
- 8/26/2014
- Digital Spy
The BBC will broadcast a live referendum debate between Snp leader Alex Salmond and Better Together campaigner Alistair Darling.
The 90-minute debate, titled Scotland Decides: Salmond Versus Darling, will air live on the BBC on August 25 at 8.30pm.
It will be broadcast on BBC One in Scotland and BBC Two in the rest of the UK.
BBC World News, which is available in over 100 countries, will also air live coverage, as will the BBC News Channel and numerous radio stations.
Presented by Glenn Campbell, the debate will take place at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow before an audience of 200.
Selected by polling and research company ComRes, audience members will have an opportunity to pose questions to the opposing campaigners for Scottish independence.
BBC Scotland's John Boothman said that public interest in the issue is high, and that the debate will give people the chance to "interrogate...
The 90-minute debate, titled Scotland Decides: Salmond Versus Darling, will air live on the BBC on August 25 at 8.30pm.
It will be broadcast on BBC One in Scotland and BBC Two in the rest of the UK.
BBC World News, which is available in over 100 countries, will also air live coverage, as will the BBC News Channel and numerous radio stations.
Presented by Glenn Campbell, the debate will take place at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow before an audience of 200.
Selected by polling and research company ComRes, audience members will have an opportunity to pose questions to the opposing campaigners for Scottish independence.
BBC Scotland's John Boothman said that public interest in the issue is high, and that the debate will give people the chance to "interrogate...
- 8/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Stv has confirmed details of a live TV debate on the Scottish referendum.
First minister Alex Salmond will discuss the Scottish independence decision with the Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling next month.
The two-hour live debate will take place on August 5, and will be hosted by Stv's political editor Bernard Ponsonby.
It was originally scheduled for July 16, but was cancelled after Salmond refused to appear unless he was facing off against David Cameron.
Salmond later accepted the debate after the broadcaster offered a later date. However, Better Together initially refused after accusing Stv of surrendering to Salmond's demands.
The BBC has also made a bid to host a live debate on August 12, hosted by James Cook.
A spokesperson for Salmond said: "We accepted this invitation weeks ago and are delighted that Alistair Darling has finally done likewise and accepted the challenge of debating with the first minister on live TV,...
First minister Alex Salmond will discuss the Scottish independence decision with the Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling next month.
The two-hour live debate will take place on August 5, and will be hosted by Stv's political editor Bernard Ponsonby.
It was originally scheduled for July 16, but was cancelled after Salmond refused to appear unless he was facing off against David Cameron.
Salmond later accepted the debate after the broadcaster offered a later date. However, Better Together initially refused after accusing Stv of surrendering to Salmond's demands.
The BBC has also made a bid to host a live debate on August 12, hosted by James Cook.
A spokesperson for Salmond said: "We accepted this invitation weeks ago and are delighted that Alistair Darling has finally done likewise and accepted the challenge of debating with the first minister on live TV,...
- 7/10/2014
- Digital Spy
A country's independence is a matter of national identity, not esoteric economic argument
Every proud country has its trove of foundation myths, and Scotland is among the richest in national stories, from Robert Bruce's spider to Rob Roy, Flora MacDonald and Archie Gemmill in the 68th minute against Holland. But as yet no country, Scotland included, has rooted its national identity in the fiscal consequences of a dissolved monetary union – or any esoteric economic argument.
Standard Life, a pillar of the Scottish financial establishment, last week joined George Osborne and other London-based politicians in attempting to sway the Scottish electorate against independence with a warning over the volatility that would be unleashed by a vote to go it alone. The No campaign is a leaden mass of economic argument, backed by baroque thinktank papers and contributions from company bosses brave enough to put their heads above the parapet but...
Every proud country has its trove of foundation myths, and Scotland is among the richest in national stories, from Robert Bruce's spider to Rob Roy, Flora MacDonald and Archie Gemmill in the 68th minute against Holland. But as yet no country, Scotland included, has rooted its national identity in the fiscal consequences of a dissolved monetary union – or any esoteric economic argument.
Standard Life, a pillar of the Scottish financial establishment, last week joined George Osborne and other London-based politicians in attempting to sway the Scottish electorate against independence with a warning over the volatility that would be unleashed by a vote to go it alone. The No campaign is a leaden mass of economic argument, backed by baroque thinktank papers and contributions from company bosses brave enough to put their heads above the parapet but...
- 3/2/2014
- The Guardian - Film News
Hadrian's wall, Culloden, the poll tax, Jacob Rees-Mogg: yes, England has inflicted an awful lot of angst and pain on Scotland down the centuries – but, look, we still don't want you to leave
1 Sorry for calling every last one of you "Jock". We now know it's offensive, especially if you're a woman.
2 So sorry for the years of heartless Conservative governments that you never voted for that ripped the heart out of the Scottish mining, steel and shipbuilding industries, butchered public services and imposed an unwonted, dismal neo-liberal ethos on a land to which such a callous political and economic philosophy was inimical.
3 And for making you guinea pigs for Margaret Thatcher's disastrous poll tax, inflicting it on you a year before England and Wales, and then – somehow! – forgetting to backdate the rebate for the tax when it was abolished in the early 90s.
4 Sorry for the 1746 Dress Act that banned tartan,...
1 Sorry for calling every last one of you "Jock". We now know it's offensive, especially if you're a woman.
2 So sorry for the years of heartless Conservative governments that you never voted for that ripped the heart out of the Scottish mining, steel and shipbuilding industries, butchered public services and imposed an unwonted, dismal neo-liberal ethos on a land to which such a callous political and economic philosophy was inimical.
3 And for making you guinea pigs for Margaret Thatcher's disastrous poll tax, inflicting it on you a year before England and Wales, and then – somehow! – forgetting to backdate the rebate for the tax when it was abolished in the early 90s.
4 Sorry for the 1746 Dress Act that banned tartan,...
- 2/20/2014
- by Stuart Jeffries
- The Guardian - Film News
Mark Millar and Alex Salmond at the Gft. Photo by Stuart Crawford.
It was a Marvellous morning at the Glasgow Film Festival on Tuesday, as comics fans lined up for a chance to see all their favourite Marvel movies on the big screen in a row - Iron Man, Captain America and Avengers Assemble. With Kapow!@Gff strand director Mark Millar now a creative consultant on forthcoming Marvel films, the festival has the inside track on what's happening with their heroes.
It was a busy day for Mark as later he had a special guest to interview - Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, who cut short a meeting with the Swedish ambassador to get to the Gft for a performance of his favourite geek movie. John Carpenter's Ghosts Of Mars might not be everybody's first choice, but Salmond justified it fairly well, saying he sees it as a reworking of Quatermass And The Pit,...
It was a Marvellous morning at the Glasgow Film Festival on Tuesday, as comics fans lined up for a chance to see all their favourite Marvel movies on the big screen in a row - Iron Man, Captain America and Avengers Assemble. With Kapow!@Gff strand director Mark Millar now a creative consultant on forthcoming Marvel films, the festival has the inside track on what's happening with their heroes.
It was a busy day for Mark as later he had a special guest to interview - Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, who cut short a meeting with the Swedish ambassador to get to the Gft for a performance of his favourite geek movie. John Carpenter's Ghosts Of Mars might not be everybody's first choice, but Salmond justified it fairly well, saying he sees it as a reworking of Quatermass And The Pit,...
- 2/21/2013
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Sean Connery, Kirsty Wark and Tom Urie have signed a petition to save the Byre theatre in St Andrews from closure
Sean Connery has added his voice to a campaign to save the Byre theatre in St Andrews, which closed last week after the company behind it went into liquidation.
More than 6,000 people, including presenter Kirsty Wark and actor Tom Urie, have signed a petition calling on Scottish politicians to save the theatre. Connery's support will boost a campaign that has already drawn the attention of Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond.
Connery, who reopened the 80-year-old venue after its £5.5m refurbishment in 2001, said: "The Byre is a wonderful venue and it would be my hope that a way can be found to keep it open."
Since reopening, however, the theatre has struggled to cover its running costs, a problem exacerbated when its annual Creative Scotland grant stopped in 2011, following a...
Sean Connery has added his voice to a campaign to save the Byre theatre in St Andrews, which closed last week after the company behind it went into liquidation.
More than 6,000 people, including presenter Kirsty Wark and actor Tom Urie, have signed a petition calling on Scottish politicians to save the theatre. Connery's support will boost a campaign that has already drawn the attention of Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond.
Connery, who reopened the 80-year-old venue after its £5.5m refurbishment in 2001, said: "The Byre is a wonderful venue and it would be my hope that a way can be found to keep it open."
Since reopening, however, the theatre has struggled to cover its running costs, a problem exacerbated when its annual Creative Scotland grant stopped in 2011, following a...
- 2/4/2013
- by Matt Trueman
- The Guardian - Film News
Opening night gala film Populaire. French romantic comedy Populaire will open this year's Glasgow Film Festival on Valentine's Day, it was announced today. Arbitrage, Cloud Atlas, Robot And Frank, Compliance, The Paperboy and John Dies At The End are among the big name films in an impressive line-up that also includes cutting edge independent work and classics from the archives.
Preceded by the dedicated three day Short Film Festival and ten day Youth Film Festival, which includes Oscar nominated animation Wreck-It Ralph, the main slate features a strand dedicated to new Brazilian cinema and another looking at original tough guy James Cagney. The Frightfest weekend returns with another selection of shockers, including eagerly anticipated Barry Levinson movie The Bay, Scottish treat Sawney: Flesh Of Man and grindhouse delight Bring Me The Head Of The Machine Gun Woman. Mark Millar's popular Kapow! strand includes a special appearance by First Minister Alex Salmond,...
Preceded by the dedicated three day Short Film Festival and ten day Youth Film Festival, which includes Oscar nominated animation Wreck-It Ralph, the main slate features a strand dedicated to new Brazilian cinema and another looking at original tough guy James Cagney. The Frightfest weekend returns with another selection of shockers, including eagerly anticipated Barry Levinson movie The Bay, Scottish treat Sawney: Flesh Of Man and grindhouse delight Bring Me The Head Of The Machine Gun Woman. Mark Millar's popular Kapow! strand includes a special appearance by First Minister Alex Salmond,...
- 1/17/2013
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Sundance Film Festival kicks off out in Park City today, bringing some of the year’s most anticipated independent films to the big screen. Following shortly after will be the Berlinale next month, and SXSW in March, which has just debuted a very promising initial line-up. And now the first big film festival on our shores, the Glasgow Film Festival, has announced its line-up, and it is absolutely exceptional.
Opening the events on Valentine’s Day next month will be Régis Roinsard’s Populaire, starring Romain Duris, Déborah François, and Bérénice Bejo, getting its UK premiere.
And closing the festival will be Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing, the great writer-director’s contemporary adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play. Similarly seeing its UK premiere, the film stars an ensemble that will please all Whedon fans, led by Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof, with fine support from Fran Kranz, Clark Gregg,...
Opening the events on Valentine’s Day next month will be Régis Roinsard’s Populaire, starring Romain Duris, Déborah François, and Bérénice Bejo, getting its UK premiere.
And closing the festival will be Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing, the great writer-director’s contemporary adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play. Similarly seeing its UK premiere, the film stars an ensemble that will please all Whedon fans, led by Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof, with fine support from Fran Kranz, Clark Gregg,...
- 1/17/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Ok, I'm no match for Roger Moore. But while I'm never shaken, I can be stirred
My favourite James Bond opening sequence occurred in Live and Let Die, which marked the debut of Roger Moore in the role. In it, we see a chap in a soft hat and grey suit (who is later revealed to be a British spy) watching a doleful New Orleans funeral procession led by a brass band. Soon, he is joined by a dapper wee bloke who looks like a Caribbean version of the shopkeeper character in Mr Benn. "Whose funeral is it?" asks the agent. "Yours," says the shopkeeper and duly sinks a flick knife right into the Brit's ribs.
Without breaking stride, the coffin-bearers move over to the prone spy and cover him with the casket. Whereupon the band breaks into a joyous Dixieland bacchanal and gaily clad dudes in jumpsuits and carrying...
My favourite James Bond opening sequence occurred in Live and Let Die, which marked the debut of Roger Moore in the role. In it, we see a chap in a soft hat and grey suit (who is later revealed to be a British spy) watching a doleful New Orleans funeral procession led by a brass band. Soon, he is joined by a dapper wee bloke who looks like a Caribbean version of the shopkeeper character in Mr Benn. "Whose funeral is it?" asks the agent. "Yours," says the shopkeeper and duly sinks a flick knife right into the Brit's ribs.
Without breaking stride, the coffin-bearers move over to the prone spy and cover him with the casket. Whereupon the band breaks into a joyous Dixieland bacchanal and gaily clad dudes in jumpsuits and carrying...
- 11/4/2012
- by Kevin McKenna
- The Guardian - Film News
Us billionaire's right-hand man hits back after Bill Forsyth accuses magnate of 'egotistical bullying'
The film-maker Bill Forsyth has been described by Donald Trump's organisation as a "misinformed jackass" after he accused the property magnate of "egotistical bullying" at his golf course near Aberdeen.
In an article for the Guardian, Forsyth said there were strong parallels between Trump's efforts to remove local people living next to his now mothballed £750m golf resort and Forsyth's fictional Us billionaire in his cult classic Local Hero from 1983, which won the best film Bafta.
The director said You've Been Trumped, an award-winning documentary investigating the experiences of Trump's nearest neighbours being shown on BBC2 this Sunday, was "akin to 1970s Romania".
He said: "We're watching real lives and livelihoods mercilessly put to hazard by a malign concoction of egotistical bullying, corporate muscle-flexing, craven averting of gaze by national politicians and crass misreading of events by local authorities,...
The film-maker Bill Forsyth has been described by Donald Trump's organisation as a "misinformed jackass" after he accused the property magnate of "egotistical bullying" at his golf course near Aberdeen.
In an article for the Guardian, Forsyth said there were strong parallels between Trump's efforts to remove local people living next to his now mothballed £750m golf resort and Forsyth's fictional Us billionaire in his cult classic Local Hero from 1983, which won the best film Bafta.
The director said You've Been Trumped, an award-winning documentary investigating the experiences of Trump's nearest neighbours being shown on BBC2 this Sunday, was "akin to 1970s Romania".
He said: "We're watching real lives and livelihoods mercilessly put to hazard by a malign concoction of egotistical bullying, corporate muscle-flexing, craven averting of gaze by national politicians and crass misreading of events by local authorities,...
- 10/19/2012
- by Severin Carrell
- The Guardian - Film News
For Bill Forsyth, the director of the classic film Local Hero, watching a documentary on the impact of Donald Trump's golf course on local residents left him 'dazed and shocked'. Here he explains why
I make things up for a living. I don't get out much and I haven't allowed a newspaper in the house for thirty years, so I truly live in a world of fiction. I've got by with Louis B Mayer's definition of a documentary being a film without girls in it, while a semi documentary has one girl. Recently however, I've been obliged to confront reality head-on in the form of the film You've Been Trumped.
It turns out that an old piece of fiction of mine, Local Hero, bears unavoidable comparison with real life events in Aberdeenshire where the property developer Donald Trump is building his "world class" golf resort, captured in Anthony Baxter...
I make things up for a living. I don't get out much and I haven't allowed a newspaper in the house for thirty years, so I truly live in a world of fiction. I've got by with Louis B Mayer's definition of a documentary being a film without girls in it, while a semi documentary has one girl. Recently however, I've been obliged to confront reality head-on in the form of the film You've Been Trumped.
It turns out that an old piece of fiction of mine, Local Hero, bears unavoidable comparison with real life events in Aberdeenshire where the property developer Donald Trump is building his "world class" golf resort, captured in Anthony Baxter...
- 10/17/2012
- by Bill Forsyth
- The Guardian - Film News
Britain's Duchess Catherine and her sister Pippa Middleton watched Andy Murray crash out of the Wimbledon tennis finals yesterday (08.07.12). The 30-year-old beauty and her younger sister - who was wearing a dress designed by Dannii Minogue - looked resplendent as they sat in the front row of the royal box, cheering on the Scottish hopeful during his match against Roger Federer. At one point an enthusiastic fan shouted 'I love you Pippa' towards the glamorous beauty. The pair were joined by British Prime Minister David Cameron, Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and David and Victoria Beckham in the special viewing area. Sir Cliff Richard and 'Doctor Who' actor Matt Smith were also at the match, but...
- 7/9/2012
- Monsters and Critics
Another British documentary with a sporting connection looks at the outrageous shenanigans involved in the Us property tycoon Donald Trump constructing a golf course near Aberdeen, in the constituency of Scottish leader Alex Salmond, no less.
The links will open later this month, but Anthony Baxter's film charts the ecological and political destruction wrought during its years of planning. Sentimental, angry and sad in the manner of Michael Moore's early films, it could also be a terrific feature, a John Sayles movie maybe, although it's possible no one would believe a character as odious as the villain of this piece.
DocumentaryDonald TrumpGolfAlex SalmondJason Solomons
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The links will open later this month, but Anthony Baxter's film charts the ecological and political destruction wrought during its years of planning. Sentimental, angry and sad in the manner of Michael Moore's early films, it could also be a terrific feature, a John Sayles movie maybe, although it's possible no one would believe a character as odious as the villain of this piece.
DocumentaryDonald TrumpGolfAlex SalmondJason Solomons
guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
- 7/8/2012
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
Australia.s Global Television is part of the joint venture company that has won the host broadcaster gig for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The news was made known on Thursday morning Scottish time at a breakfast event hosted by games organising committee Glasgow 2014, by the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and the Glasgow 2014 chair Lord Smith.
The host broadcaster contract is the largest associated with the games, Salmond said during the announcement, and the games are expected to reach an estimated one billion people worldwide.
This is the third time Global Television has covered the Commonwealth Games on behalf of broadcasters around the world but the first time it has formally worked with sports broadcasters Sunset+Vine.
Global Television and Sunset+Vine (Svgtv) will provide multi-camera high definition coverage of 17 sports from 19 venues, plus the opening and closing ceremonies, after designing and setting up a broadcast centre at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The news was made known on Thursday morning Scottish time at a breakfast event hosted by games organising committee Glasgow 2014, by the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and the Glasgow 2014 chair Lord Smith.
The host broadcaster contract is the largest associated with the games, Salmond said during the announcement, and the games are expected to reach an estimated one billion people worldwide.
This is the third time Global Television has covered the Commonwealth Games on behalf of broadcasters around the world but the first time it has formally worked with sports broadcasters Sunset+Vine.
Global Television and Sunset+Vine (Svgtv) will provide multi-camera high definition coverage of 17 sports from 19 venues, plus the opening and closing ceremonies, after designing and setting up a broadcast centre at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
- 7/5/2012
- by Sandy George
- IF.com.au
Australia.s Global Television is part of the joint venture company that has won the host broadcaster gig for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The news was made known on Thursday morning Scottish time at a breakfast event hosted by games organising committee Glasgow 2014, by the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and the Glasgow 2014 chair Lord Smith.
The host broadcaster contract is the largest associated with the games, Salmond said during the announcement, and the games are expected to reach an estimated one billion people worldwide.
This is the third time Global Television has covered the Commonwealth Games on behalf of broadcasters around the world but the first time it has formally worked with sports broadcasters Sunset+Vine.
Global Television and Sunset+Vine (Svgtv) will provide multi-camera high definition coverage of 17 sports from 19 venues, plus the opening and closing ceremonies, after designing and setting up a broadcast centre at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The news was made known on Thursday morning Scottish time at a breakfast event hosted by games organising committee Glasgow 2014, by the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and the Glasgow 2014 chair Lord Smith.
The host broadcaster contract is the largest associated with the games, Salmond said during the announcement, and the games are expected to reach an estimated one billion people worldwide.
This is the third time Global Television has covered the Commonwealth Games on behalf of broadcasters around the world but the first time it has formally worked with sports broadcasters Sunset+Vine.
Global Television and Sunset+Vine (Svgtv) will provide multi-camera high definition coverage of 17 sports from 19 venues, plus the opening and closing ceremonies, after designing and setting up a broadcast centre at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
- 7/5/2012
- by Sandy George
- IF.com.au
The 66th Edinburgh International Film Festival wound down yesterday with closing night film Brave. The screening – it was the film’s European Premiere – took place in Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre and was attended by Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane, who all lend their voices to the film, along with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who presumably saw it as an allegory about Scottish Independence.
The Festival has formed a good relationship over the years with Pixar: in the past it has held the UK or European premieres of “Ratatouille,” “Wall-e” and “Toy Story 3.” It therefore was a bit of a no-brainer to close the Festival with a film connected both to Pixar and Scotland. It seems to have gone down well and will be popular amongst its target audience, and the film looks absolutely stunning, but I had a few reservations about the somewhat by-the-numbers plot.
The Festival has formed a good relationship over the years with Pixar: in the past it has held the UK or European premieres of “Ratatouille,” “Wall-e” and “Toy Story 3.” It therefore was a bit of a no-brainer to close the Festival with a film connected both to Pixar and Scotland. It seems to have gone down well and will be popular amongst its target audience, and the film looks absolutely stunning, but I had a few reservations about the somewhat by-the-numbers plot.
- 7/1/2012
- by Adam Whyte
- Obsessed with Film
Pixar's gorgeously coloured fantasy fairytale, Brave, set in a medieval highland Scotland, will disappoint nationalists but please fans of the studio's heartfelt nonconformity
For the animation studio's debut foray into fairytale, Pixar has delivered a rousing family melodrama set in a fantasy medieval highland Scotland populated by rowdy, larger-than-life clan chieftains, mischievous magical spirits and monstrous, murderous ursines – all impressively grounded in a reassuringly vigorous reality.
Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) – the animation studio's first proper lead female heroine, no less – is a feisty teenage redhead with magnificently unkempt hair who prefers shooting her bow and riding her beloved horse to the courtly travails constantly foisted on her by her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Her father, King Fergus (Billy Connolly), is a giant, peg-legged boy-man with an epicurean passion for food, booze and fighting, and only one apparent hatred: the hideous bear Mor'du, who chomped off his limb many years earlier.
For the animation studio's debut foray into fairytale, Pixar has delivered a rousing family melodrama set in a fantasy medieval highland Scotland populated by rowdy, larger-than-life clan chieftains, mischievous magical spirits and monstrous, murderous ursines – all impressively grounded in a reassuringly vigorous reality.
Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) – the animation studio's first proper lead female heroine, no less – is a feisty teenage redhead with magnificently unkempt hair who prefers shooting her bow and riding her beloved horse to the courtly travails constantly foisted on her by her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Her father, King Fergus (Billy Connolly), is a giant, peg-legged boy-man with an epicurean passion for food, booze and fighting, and only one apparent hatred: the hideous bear Mor'du, who chomped off his limb many years earlier.
- 6/25/2012
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Our film industry should take inspiration from the Tommy Sheridan play to come up with the Scottish political thriller
One issue above all others dominated conversation in the pubs and clubs of Glasgow. It even supplanted all debate about the future status of Club 12 (formerly Rangers Fc), while Alex Salmond's spectacular bout of sartorial incontinence in Los Angeles was also soon forgotten. From Parkhead Cross in the east to Old Dumbarton Road in the west we all shook our heads in bewilderment. Just why did Scottish Opera pass up the opportunity of commissioning a work about the rise and fall of Tommy Sheridan in all of its glorious raiment? The announcement that the city's venerable King's Theatre, instead, is to stage I, Tommy in November has been greeted with astonishment by opera-goers all over the city.
The King's will assuredly do the Sheridan saga proud in its traditionally wry and couthy manner.
One issue above all others dominated conversation in the pubs and clubs of Glasgow. It even supplanted all debate about the future status of Club 12 (formerly Rangers Fc), while Alex Salmond's spectacular bout of sartorial incontinence in Los Angeles was also soon forgotten. From Parkhead Cross in the east to Old Dumbarton Road in the west we all shook our heads in bewilderment. Just why did Scottish Opera pass up the opportunity of commissioning a work about the rise and fall of Tommy Sheridan in all of its glorious raiment? The announcement that the city's venerable King's Theatre, instead, is to stage I, Tommy in November has been greeted with astonishment by opera-goers all over the city.
The King's will assuredly do the Sheridan saga proud in its traditionally wry and couthy manner.
- 6/24/2012
- by Kevin McKenna
- The Guardian - Film News
Disney Pixar film shows a Scotland free from drug-abuse and midges – little wonder it has received government approval
It is poised to be the biggest-grossing movie about Scotland ever made, an animated fantasy starring an impetuous princess and comedy Highlanders painted blue with woad, populating a mystical fairy world of castles and soaring mountains.
Brave, a 3D animation from the Disney Pixar studios famous for Toy Story, Finding Nemo and the Incredibles, will offer a very different, more childish vision of Scotland from the heroin-ridden dystopia of Trainspotting or the militant nationalism of Braveheart.
Pixar's 13th title is its first with a female lead, and with its heroic themes focusing on a rebellious, bow-wielding girl, voiced by the Trainspotting supporting actress Kelly Macdonald, some suggest it may even be a feminist epic.
So much so that Scotland's tourism agency is mounting one of the largest marketing campaigns in the industry's...
It is poised to be the biggest-grossing movie about Scotland ever made, an animated fantasy starring an impetuous princess and comedy Highlanders painted blue with woad, populating a mystical fairy world of castles and soaring mountains.
Brave, a 3D animation from the Disney Pixar studios famous for Toy Story, Finding Nemo and the Incredibles, will offer a very different, more childish vision of Scotland from the heroin-ridden dystopia of Trainspotting or the militant nationalism of Braveheart.
Pixar's 13th title is its first with a female lead, and with its heroic themes focusing on a rebellious, bow-wielding girl, voiced by the Trainspotting supporting actress Kelly Macdonald, some suggest it may even be a feminist epic.
So much so that Scotland's tourism agency is mounting one of the largest marketing campaigns in the industry's...
- 6/3/2012
- by Severin Carrell
- The Guardian - Film News
Police tell actor they believe his phone was hacked about 10 times
The Oscar-winning actor Sir Sean Connery has been told by police that they believe he was a repeated victim of phone hacking, the Guardian has learned.
The Scottish screen actor, best known for playing the secret agent James Bond, has been told by police he was hacked about 10 times, making him one of the highest profile victims so far in the hacking scandal.
It is understood his name appears in the records of Glenn Mulcaire, the private detective for the News of the World.
The incidents were confirmed on Tuesday by Connery's close friend and biographer Murray Grigor, who recently travelled to New York to launch a new film, starring Connery, about St Andrew's University.
After confirming the details with Connery in Switzerland late on Tuesday, Grigor said: "Apparently there were 10 instances. The police were quite excited about it...
The Oscar-winning actor Sir Sean Connery has been told by police that they believe he was a repeated victim of phone hacking, the Guardian has learned.
The Scottish screen actor, best known for playing the secret agent James Bond, has been told by police he was hacked about 10 times, making him one of the highest profile victims so far in the hacking scandal.
It is understood his name appears in the records of Glenn Mulcaire, the private detective for the News of the World.
The incidents were confirmed on Tuesday by Connery's close friend and biographer Murray Grigor, who recently travelled to New York to launch a new film, starring Connery, about St Andrew's University.
After confirming the details with Connery in Switzerland late on Tuesday, Grigor said: "Apparently there were 10 instances. The police were quite excited about it...
- 5/30/2012
- by Severin Carrell
- The Guardian - Film News
The Disney Pixar animated film Brave, set in a mythical Scotland and featuring some of the UK's best-loved stars, will receive a glittering European premiere on the closing night of the 2012 Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The red carpet will be rolled out for the cast and crew at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre on June 30 when the animated tale of a Scottish heroine is unveiled.
Brave features Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting, Nanny McPhee, No Country For Old Men, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2) voicing the star role, along with performances by Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane, Julie Walters and Kevin McKidd.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement about the premiere during his speech at VisitScotland's Winning Years Conference in Perth.
Mr Salmond said: "I am delighted to announce that Hollywood will roll into town during the Edinburgh International Film Festival when we host the European premiere of Brave.
The red carpet will be rolled out for the cast and crew at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre on June 30 when the animated tale of a Scottish heroine is unveiled.
Brave features Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting, Nanny McPhee, No Country For Old Men, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2) voicing the star role, along with performances by Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane, Julie Walters and Kevin McKidd.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement about the premiere during his speech at VisitScotland's Winning Years Conference in Perth.
Mr Salmond said: "I am delighted to announce that Hollywood will roll into town during the Edinburgh International Film Festival when we host the European premiere of Brave.
- 3/15/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Brave will close the 66th instalment of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, First Minister Alex Salmond announced at a conference in Perth earlier today.
Pixar’s thirteenth feature film, set in the Highlands of Scotland, will receive a glitzy European premiere at the world’s oldest continually running film festival, and further cements the sturdy relationship between Disney, Pixar and the Edinburgh film festival.
In his speech, Salmond said, “I am delighted to announce that Hollywood will roll into town during the Edinburgh International Film Festival when we host the European premiere of Brave.”
He continued, “This will present us with an immense opportunity when Scotland will be centre stage in the film with all the tourism and business opportunities this will bring. I fully expect that as the film launches across the world, so will awareness of Scotland increase.”
Brave centers on Merida, a skilled archer and princess, who...
Pixar’s thirteenth feature film, set in the Highlands of Scotland, will receive a glitzy European premiere at the world’s oldest continually running film festival, and further cements the sturdy relationship between Disney, Pixar and the Edinburgh film festival.
In his speech, Salmond said, “I am delighted to announce that Hollywood will roll into town during the Edinburgh International Film Festival when we host the European premiere of Brave.”
He continued, “This will present us with an immense opportunity when Scotland will be centre stage in the film with all the tourism and business opportunities this will bring. I fully expect that as the film launches across the world, so will awareness of Scotland increase.”
Brave centers on Merida, a skilled archer and princess, who...
- 3/13/2012
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Scots-set Pixar animation to premiere at 66th edition
Pixar's BravePixar animation will have its European premiere as the closing night film at Edinburgh Film Festival.
The announcement that the Scottish-set film about a young princess who goes on an adventure to break a curse was made by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond in a speech at VisitScotland's Winning Years conference in Perth.
It follows...
Pixar's BravePixar animation will have its European premiere as the closing night film at Edinburgh Film Festival.
The announcement that the Scottish-set film about a young princess who goes on an adventure to break a curse was made by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond in a speech at VisitScotland's Winning Years conference in Perth.
It follows...
- 3/13/2012
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
First Minister Alex Salmond and Chris Fujiwara, Artistic Director, Edinburgh International Film Festival, have announced that the much anticipated Disney-Pixar animated film Brave, which is set in mythical Scotland and features some of the UK’s best-loved stars, will receive a glittering European premiere in Edinburgh, on the closing night of the 66th Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The red carpet will be rolled out at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for a host of stars and filmmakers on 30th June when the animated tale of a courageous Scottish heroine is unveiled. The First Minister made the announcement about the premiere during his speech at VisitScotland’s Winning Years Conference in Perth today. Mr Salmond told an audience of tourism specialists, operators and business people assembled to discuss how they could maximise promotional activity by focusing on major events and milestones in the next few years:
I am delighted to announce that...
The red carpet will be rolled out at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for a host of stars and filmmakers on 30th June when the animated tale of a courageous Scottish heroine is unveiled. The First Minister made the announcement about the premiere during his speech at VisitScotland’s Winning Years Conference in Perth today. Mr Salmond told an audience of tourism specialists, operators and business people assembled to discuss how they could maximise promotional activity by focusing on major events and milestones in the next few years:
I am delighted to announce that...
- 3/13/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
London – The Disney-Pixar animated Scottish adventure Brave is to bring this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival to a close, organizers said. The movie, featuring a voice cast that reads like a who’s who of Scottish stars including Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Kevin McKidd and Craig Ferguson, the Scot who took U.S. citizenship and hosts The Late Late Show in the U.S., has been selected as closing night film for the festival. The movie’s pick was announced by Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and Eiff artistic director Chris Fujiwara at a tourism conference in Scotland. The festival
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- 3/13/2012
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
American tycoon Donald Trump is to bankroll an anti-wind farm campaign in his fight against an off-shore development near his luxury golf resort in Scotland.
Trump wrote to Alex Salmond earlier this month, telling him he seems "hell-bent on destroying Scotland's coastline" with wind turbines.
A planning application for an 11-turbine wind farm off Aberdeen Bay, near Trump's Menie resort, was submitted to Marine Scotland last summer. A decision is expected to be made later this year.
He said turbines are "ugly monstrosities" and "horrendous machines" and has halted work on his development until the decision is made by the Scottish Government.
Communities Against Turbines Scotland (Cats) contacted the Trump Organisation after the letter to Mr Salmond was published and they have now joined forces.
Speaking to The Herald newspaper, George Sorial, vice-president of the Trump Organisation, insisted Trump will use all resources at his disposal and do "whatever it...
Trump wrote to Alex Salmond earlier this month, telling him he seems "hell-bent on destroying Scotland's coastline" with wind turbines.
A planning application for an 11-turbine wind farm off Aberdeen Bay, near Trump's Menie resort, was submitted to Marine Scotland last summer. A decision is expected to be made later this year.
He said turbines are "ugly monstrosities" and "horrendous machines" and has halted work on his development until the decision is made by the Scottish Government.
Communities Against Turbines Scotland (Cats) contacted the Trump Organisation after the letter to Mr Salmond was published and they have now joined forces.
Speaking to The Herald newspaper, George Sorial, vice-president of the Trump Organisation, insisted Trump will use all resources at his disposal and do "whatever it...
- 2/23/2012
- by PA/The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
First Minister calls for international investment at Glasgow Film Festival event.
"Scotland could become an international film making powerhouse," said Alex Salmond at a Glasgow Film Festival event focused on country's burgeoning industry. Several Scottish filmmakers were in attendance but the First Miniser addressed his comments more widely, calling for international investment in a country "well known for creative film-making talent."
The Scottish industry has scored recent successes with films like <a href="/search.php?title=Perfect...
"Scotland could become an international film making powerhouse," said Alex Salmond at a Glasgow Film Festival event focused on country's burgeoning industry. Several Scottish filmmakers were in attendance but the First Miniser addressed his comments more widely, calling for international investment in a country "well known for creative film-making talent."
The Scottish industry has scored recent successes with films like <a href="/search.php?title=Perfect...
- 2/21/2012
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The prime minister, David Cameron, announced this week that any referendum on Scottish independence must take place in the next 18 months and feature only one simple question: stay in the UK on present terms, or leave.
But the leader of the Scottish National party, Alex Salmond, is emboldened by recent election success. He is in no mood for such a compromise. He has restated his intention to hold the referendum in 2014, coincidentally the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn.
With relations strained between London and Edinburgh, the panel discusses who will prevail in the all-important struggle to set the date, format and question(s) in a vote that could radically and permanently alter Britain's electoral landscape.
In the studio are columnists Martin Kettle and Polly Toynbee and the Snp's chief whip in Westminster Stewart Hosie. They discuss what Scottish independence would mean - not only for Scotland, but for the rest of the UK.
But the leader of the Scottish National party, Alex Salmond, is emboldened by recent election success. He is in no mood for such a compromise. He has restated his intention to hold the referendum in 2014, coincidentally the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn.
With relations strained between London and Edinburgh, the panel discusses who will prevail in the all-important struggle to set the date, format and question(s) in a vote that could radically and permanently alter Britain's electoral landscape.
In the studio are columnists Martin Kettle and Polly Toynbee and the Snp's chief whip in Westminster Stewart Hosie. They discuss what Scottish independence would mean - not only for Scotland, but for the rest of the UK.
- 1/12/2012
- by Tom Clark, Polly Toynbee, Martin Kettle, Phil Maynard
- The Guardian - Film News
• Andrew Lansley's interviews on NHS data sharing deal
• Lunchtime summary
• David Cameron on the Merkel/Sarkozy EU plan
• Afternoon summary
9.00am: It's a big day for Europe. Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting to thrash out details of a plan that could set up a fiscal union in Europe and may (or may not) lead to some sort of resolution of the debt crisis. But this blog - like the UK - is sitting on the sidelines. My colleague Alex Hawkes will be covering the Merkozy meeting on the business live blog. And I'll be covering events at Westminster, where the most lively before 4pm will be Leveson - The Sequel, a star-studded committee hearing featuring Hugh Grant, Steve Coogan and Max Mosley who may well spend an hour telling MPs and peers exactly what they told Leveson.
Here's the diary for the day.
10am: Ed Miliband will campaign in Feltham and Heston,...
• Lunchtime summary
• David Cameron on the Merkel/Sarkozy EU plan
• Afternoon summary
9.00am: It's a big day for Europe. Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting to thrash out details of a plan that could set up a fiscal union in Europe and may (or may not) lead to some sort of resolution of the debt crisis. But this blog - like the UK - is sitting on the sidelines. My colleague Alex Hawkes will be covering the Merkozy meeting on the business live blog. And I'll be covering events at Westminster, where the most lively before 4pm will be Leveson - The Sequel, a star-studded committee hearing featuring Hugh Grant, Steve Coogan and Max Mosley who may well spend an hour telling MPs and peers exactly what they told Leveson.
Here's the diary for the day.
10am: Ed Miliband will campaign in Feltham and Heston,...
- 12/5/2011
- by Andrew Sparrow
- The Guardian - Film News
You've Been Trumped: film reveals tycoon's ruthless efforts to build Scottish golf resort | Bob Ward
Documentary highlights how potential environmental damage has been disregarded because of the perceived benefits to the local economy
Members of the Scottish parliament should seize the chance to watch a special showing at Holyrood this Wednesday of an amazing film about Donald Trump's ruthless efforts to build a golf course on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Sssi) in Alex Salmond's Aberdeenshire constituency.
You've Been Trumped raises serious doubts about the possible impacts of the development, which was given the go-ahead in November 2008 by Scottish ministers on the grounds that the purported economic benefits outweighed the severe environmental costs.
The film follows the brave struggle of local residents who oppose the proposed building of the coastal golf resort at the Menie Estate, near the village of Balmedie, eight miles north of Aberdeen.
The film's director, Anthony Baxter, throws a spotlight on the contemptuous way in which Trump deals with the residents,...
Members of the Scottish parliament should seize the chance to watch a special showing at Holyrood this Wednesday of an amazing film about Donald Trump's ruthless efforts to build a golf course on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Sssi) in Alex Salmond's Aberdeenshire constituency.
You've Been Trumped raises serious doubts about the possible impacts of the development, which was given the go-ahead in November 2008 by Scottish ministers on the grounds that the purported economic benefits outweighed the severe environmental costs.
The film follows the brave struggle of local residents who oppose the proposed building of the coastal golf resort at the Menie Estate, near the village of Balmedie, eight miles north of Aberdeen.
The film's director, Anthony Baxter, throws a spotlight on the contemptuous way in which Trump deals with the residents,...
- 9/13/2011
- by Bob Ward
- The Guardian - Film News
Lloyd Webber relaunches Love Never Dies, plus Donald Trump's golf course, Dave Stewart sells Hirst to save art, and Wilton's gets the thumbs down
Love Never Dies not dead yet
Andrew Lloyd Webber is positively beaming at the new version of his not-entirely-acclaimed Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies. It's "quite extraordinary", he told the Diary. The downside (unless you live there) is that it's in Melbourne. But Lloyd Webber, who was in the city for the opening last week, is optimistic that this version will eventually make it to London's West End, probably after opening in Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, and then Broadway.
If you recall, Love Never Dies opened to grim reviews in March 2010 (it was dubbed Paint Never Dries by some), but then was rejigged by the producer Bill Kenwright. It's still not as good as it should be in Lloyd Webber's eyes, however.
The Melbourne show started almost from scratch.
Love Never Dies not dead yet
Andrew Lloyd Webber is positively beaming at the new version of his not-entirely-acclaimed Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies. It's "quite extraordinary", he told the Diary. The downside (unless you live there) is that it's in Melbourne. But Lloyd Webber, who was in the city for the opening last week, is optimistic that this version will eventually make it to London's West End, probably after opening in Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, and then Broadway.
If you recall, Love Never Dies opened to grim reviews in March 2010 (it was dubbed Paint Never Dries by some), but then was rejigged by the producer Bill Kenwright. It's still not as good as it should be in Lloyd Webber's eyes, however.
The Melbourne show started almost from scratch.
- 6/7/2011
- by Mark Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
Although proud of the films which portray my city's recurring themes of poverty, violence and deprivation, I occasionally yearn for something more uplifting
A chorus line of fluffers and panderers will gather this August, as they always do, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to celebrate Kazimierz Lubanski's lost Warsaw arthouse études. Or perhaps it may be Igor Masopust's seminal, and rarely seen, Carpathian trilogie. But whichever it is, I will wonder, and not for the first time, when they will get round to assembling a retrospective on the emerging west of Scotland cinematic oeuvre which has been loosely christened Glasgow Noir by some and Clyde Mort by others.
Next week, I hope to view the latest work in this canon, Neds, by the gifted actor and director Peter Mullan. I'm told it is a gritty and visceral study on how ancient and tribal gang loyalties destroy the academic dream...
A chorus line of fluffers and panderers will gather this August, as they always do, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to celebrate Kazimierz Lubanski's lost Warsaw arthouse études. Or perhaps it may be Igor Masopust's seminal, and rarely seen, Carpathian trilogie. But whichever it is, I will wonder, and not for the first time, when they will get round to assembling a retrospective on the emerging west of Scotland cinematic oeuvre which has been loosely christened Glasgow Noir by some and Clyde Mort by others.
Next week, I hope to view the latest work in this canon, Neds, by the gifted actor and director Peter Mullan. I'm told it is a gritty and visceral study on how ancient and tribal gang loyalties destroy the academic dream...
- 3/14/2011
- by Kevin McKenna
- The Guardian - Film News
Senator Robert Menendez (D-nj) called the report a “blockbuster.” Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first minister, did not take kindly to Vanity Fair’s report yesterday that he allegedly tried to link the release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi with an end to former prisoners in Scottish jails being able to sue his government for damages because they had been forced to “slop out”—to use buckets in their cells instead of toilets. These lawsuits—which the U.K. government did indeed agree to limit some months after Mr. Salmond spoke to U.K. justice secretary Jack Straw—had already cost many millions of pounds.
- 1/26/2011
- Vanity Fair
Singing duo The Proclaimers were among hundreds of fans who turned out to pay their last respects to singer Gerry Rafferty as he was laid to rest in Scotland on Friday morning, January 21. The "Baker Street" icon passed away earlier this month, on January 4 after suffering liver failure, resulting from a long battle with alcoholism.
Hundreds of devotees turned up to honor the songwriter at St Mirin's Cathedral in his hometown of Paisley. Funnyman Billy Connolly, who formed folk group the Humblebums with Rafferty, was unable to attend the ceremony due to touring commitments in Australia and was said to have been "devastated" to have missed the funeral.
Scottish singing siblings The Proclaimers and the country's First Minister Alex Salmond turned out for the service and playwright/artist John Byrne gave the eulogy, remembering Rafferty as "very single-minded, which he used wonderfully well". Byrne added, "He had hundreds and hundreds of wonderful,...
Hundreds of devotees turned up to honor the songwriter at St Mirin's Cathedral in his hometown of Paisley. Funnyman Billy Connolly, who formed folk group the Humblebums with Rafferty, was unable to attend the ceremony due to touring commitments in Australia and was said to have been "devastated" to have missed the funeral.
Scottish singing siblings The Proclaimers and the country's First Minister Alex Salmond turned out for the service and playwright/artist John Byrne gave the eulogy, remembering Rafferty as "very single-minded, which he used wonderfully well". Byrne added, "He had hundreds and hundreds of wonderful,...
- 1/22/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
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