Welcome to another edition of Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on key execs and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week we’re talking with British indie film veteran Phil Hunt, who is the founder of a raft of companies including production outfit and film financier Head Gear, international sales business Bankside and, more recently, New Zealand and Australian distribution genre label (Yet) Another Monster Company.
Phil Hunt is not a conformist. From the moment he burst onto the British independent scene more than two decades ago with his microbudget productions Fast Food and Chunky Monkey – the former starring a young Gerard Butler and the latter an off-beat black comedy about a loner with a penchant for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Julie Andrews – it was clear that this was a guy who was not going to...
Phil Hunt is not a conformist. From the moment he burst onto the British independent scene more than two decades ago with his microbudget productions Fast Food and Chunky Monkey – the former starring a young Gerard Butler and the latter an off-beat black comedy about a loner with a penchant for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Julie Andrews – it was clear that this was a guy who was not going to...
- 4/19/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Craig Roberts’ “Eternal Beauty,” a romantic drama with Oscar-nominee Sally Hawkins, has sold North American rights to Samuel Goldwyn Films. The indie label will release the film on-demand this fall, an increasingly popular option at a time when many movie theaters are closed due to coronavirus.
Roberts, a writer, director, and actor, who has appeared on screen in the likes of “Red Oaks” and “Submarine,” and slid behind the camera on “Just Jim,” penned the script for “Eternal Beauty.” In addition to Hawkins, who scored Oscar nods for “The Shape of Water” and “Blue Jasmine,” the accomplished ensemble includes David Thewlis (“Harry Potter” franchise) Alice Lowe (“Prevenge”), Billie Piper (“Doctor Who”), and Penelope Wilton (“Zoo”).
“I’m delighted that Samuel Goldwyn are releasing our picture and that people will finally get to meet our real-life superhero. I’m incredibly proud of the team’s work on ‘Eternal Beauty’ and I...
Roberts, a writer, director, and actor, who has appeared on screen in the likes of “Red Oaks” and “Submarine,” and slid behind the camera on “Just Jim,” penned the script for “Eternal Beauty.” In addition to Hawkins, who scored Oscar nods for “The Shape of Water” and “Blue Jasmine,” the accomplished ensemble includes David Thewlis (“Harry Potter” franchise) Alice Lowe (“Prevenge”), Billie Piper (“Doctor Who”), and Penelope Wilton (“Zoo”).
“I’m delighted that Samuel Goldwyn are releasing our picture and that people will finally get to meet our real-life superhero. I’m incredibly proud of the team’s work on ‘Eternal Beauty’ and I...
- 7/21/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Ian Bonhôte, a double BAFTA nominee for the feature documentary “McQueen,” has attached as the director on narrative feature “Faithfull,” about the singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull. Altitude has acquired worldwide sales rights.
As previously reported, Lucy Boynton, who played Mary Austin in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and appears in Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician” for Netflix, stars as Faithfull.
Casting is underway for the role of Mick Jagger with casting director Sarah Crowe, BAFTA-nominated for “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” on board. Production is set for this fall.
The story is set in London in the mid-1960s and depicts Faithfull’s roller-coaster journey from being discovered as a convent schoolgirl of 17, finding fame as a pop idol, living through hedonistic times and a tumultuous romance with Jagger, to being a homeless drug addict in London.
Through her determination not to be known as just a footnote in rock and roll history,...
As previously reported, Lucy Boynton, who played Mary Austin in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and appears in Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician” for Netflix, stars as Faithfull.
Casting is underway for the role of Mick Jagger with casting director Sarah Crowe, BAFTA-nominated for “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” on board. Production is set for this fall.
The story is set in London in the mid-1960s and depicts Faithfull’s roller-coaster journey from being discovered as a convent schoolgirl of 17, finding fame as a pop idol, living through hedonistic times and a tumultuous romance with Jagger, to being a homeless drug addict in London.
Through her determination not to be known as just a footnote in rock and roll history,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Ian Bonhôte, a BAFTA nominee for his documentary McQueen, will helm upcoming musician biopic Faithfull.
As we revealed back in October, Bohemian Rhapsody actress Lucy Boynton will star as Marianne Faithfull, the iconic singer-songwriter who recorded 21 albums including the acclaimed Broken English and the more recent Negative Capability. Her publicized romance with Mick Jagger was influential on the Rolling Stones.
The film will track her rollercoaster career from initial stardom, her time as a homeless drug addict, and then her subsequent recovery.
Casting director Sarah Crowe (The Personal History Of David Copperfield) has been brought onboard and the search is now underway to fill the role of Jagger.
Producers on the pic are Julia Taylor-Stanley of Artemis Films, Colin Vaines of Synchronistic Pictures, and Andee Ryder of Misfits Entertainment. UK outfit Altitude has acquired worldwide sales rights.
Boynton will also executive produce alongside Julian Bird and Abi Gadsby from Lorton Entertainment,...
As we revealed back in October, Bohemian Rhapsody actress Lucy Boynton will star as Marianne Faithfull, the iconic singer-songwriter who recorded 21 albums including the acclaimed Broken English and the more recent Negative Capability. Her publicized romance with Mick Jagger was influential on the Rolling Stones.
The film will track her rollercoaster career from initial stardom, her time as a homeless drug addict, and then her subsequent recovery.
Casting director Sarah Crowe (The Personal History Of David Copperfield) has been brought onboard and the search is now underway to fill the role of Jagger.
Producers on the pic are Julia Taylor-Stanley of Artemis Films, Colin Vaines of Synchronistic Pictures, and Andee Ryder of Misfits Entertainment. UK outfit Altitude has acquired worldwide sales rights.
Boynton will also executive produce alongside Julian Bird and Abi Gadsby from Lorton Entertainment,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Lucy Boynton to play the iconic singer and actress.
Ian Bonhôte, co-director of Bafta-nominated documentary McQueen, has signed to direct Faithfull, a biopic of Marianne Faithfull, which the UK’s Altitude has acquired to sell worldwide.
Set in mid-1960s London, Faithfull is set to star the previously announced Lucy Boynton, best known for Bohemian Rhapsody, as the iconic singer-songwriter. Faithful went from inspiring some of the biggest hits of the Rolling Stones while in a tumultuous relationship with Mick Jagger to becoming a homeless drug addict in London.
Bonhôte, whose documentary about fashion designer Alexander McQueen was nominated for...
Ian Bonhôte, co-director of Bafta-nominated documentary McQueen, has signed to direct Faithfull, a biopic of Marianne Faithfull, which the UK’s Altitude has acquired to sell worldwide.
Set in mid-1960s London, Faithfull is set to star the previously announced Lucy Boynton, best known for Bohemian Rhapsody, as the iconic singer-songwriter. Faithful went from inspiring some of the biggest hits of the Rolling Stones while in a tumultuous relationship with Mick Jagger to becoming a homeless drug addict in London.
Bonhôte, whose documentary about fashion designer Alexander McQueen was nominated for...
- 2/4/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Topics that were popular with Screen subscribers this year included BFI funding, industry staff moves and our Brit 50 list.Top 10 News
Screen unveils Stars of Tomorrow 2018 Cannes 2018: Official Selection in full BFI unveils plan to boost UK indie film including two new funds Creative England’s new-look iFeatures selects first 12 projects (exclusive) The Favourite’ dominates 2018 BIFAs with record 10 awards Sundance 2019 unveils feature film line-up Bankside Films co-managing director Hilary Davis steps down (exclusive) Icon Film Distribution sold to Kaleidoscope Tributes pour in for French indie titan Sammy Hadida, who has died aged 64 Entertainment One president of international film Alex Hamilton...
Screen unveils Stars of Tomorrow 2018 Cannes 2018: Official Selection in full BFI unveils plan to boost UK indie film including two new funds Creative England’s new-look iFeatures selects first 12 projects (exclusive) The Favourite’ dominates 2018 BIFAs with record 10 awards Sundance 2019 unveils feature film line-up Bankside Films co-managing director Hilary Davis steps down (exclusive) Icon Film Distribution sold to Kaleidoscope Tributes pour in for French indie titan Sammy Hadida, who has died aged 64 Entertainment One president of international film Alex Hamilton...
- 12/22/2018
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Vertigo takes UK rights following A24’s acquisition for Us.
Lee Cronin’s Sundance-bound horror The Hole In The Ground has secured a series of international territory deals for sales agent Bankside Films ahead of its Sundance premiere in January.
Adding to yesterday’s North America deal with A24 and Directv, the film has now sold to Vertigo Releasing for the UK. Both the North America and UK theatrical releases are being timed for March 2019. Wildcard Distribution is releasing in Ireland.
Deals are also done for Spain (Festival Films), Latin America (Cinepolis), Germany and Austria (Weltkino), Italy (Koch Media...
Lee Cronin’s Sundance-bound horror The Hole In The Ground has secured a series of international territory deals for sales agent Bankside Films ahead of its Sundance premiere in January.
Adding to yesterday’s North America deal with A24 and Directv, the film has now sold to Vertigo Releasing for the UK. Both the North America and UK theatrical releases are being timed for March 2019. Wildcard Distribution is releasing in Ireland.
Deals are also done for Spain (Festival Films), Latin America (Cinepolis), Germany and Austria (Weltkino), Italy (Koch Media...
- 12/6/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Lee Cronin’s forthcoming Sundance premiere “The Hole in The Ground” has sold North American distribution rights to A24 and DirecTV.
The horror-thriller will open at the annual Utah gathering in January, and marks the feature directing debut of Cronin on the heels of his buzzy 2016 short “Ghost Train.”
A24 will take the film out to theaters while DirecTV will offer a limited pay-per-view window before release, as the latter has on many similar deals including Jamie Bell’s “Skin” and Johnny Depp’s “Richard Says Goodbye.”
“Hole in The Ground” stars heatseeking Irish actress Seána Kerslake as Sarah, a mother who moves with her young son Chris (James Quinn Markey) to a country home on the edge of a forest, which happens to hide an enormous sinkhole. Her boy vanishes and soon reappears unharmed, though his behavior grows increasingly disturbing, leaving his mother to fear the worst — that the...
The horror-thriller will open at the annual Utah gathering in January, and marks the feature directing debut of Cronin on the heels of his buzzy 2016 short “Ghost Train.”
A24 will take the film out to theaters while DirecTV will offer a limited pay-per-view window before release, as the latter has on many similar deals including Jamie Bell’s “Skin” and Johnny Depp’s “Richard Says Goodbye.”
“Hole in The Ground” stars heatseeking Irish actress Seána Kerslake as Sarah, a mother who moves with her young son Chris (James Quinn Markey) to a country home on the edge of a forest, which happens to hide an enormous sinkhole. Her boy vanishes and soon reappears unharmed, though his behavior grows increasingly disturbing, leaving his mother to fear the worst — that the...
- 12/5/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
A24 and Directv have acquired North American rights from Bankside Films to the supernatural horror The Hole In The Ground ahead of its world premiere in the Midnight section at Sundance next month.
A24 and Directv have acquired North American rights from Bankside Films to the supernatural horror The Hole In The Ground ahead of its world premiere in the Midnight section at Sundance next month.
Lee Cronin makes his feature directorial debut from a screenplay he co-wrote with Stephen Shields about Sarah (Seána Kerslake), who moves to the Irish countryside with her young son Chris (James Quinn Markey) and...
A24 and Directv have acquired North American rights from Bankside Films to the supernatural horror The Hole In The Ground ahead of its world premiere in the Midnight section at Sundance next month.
Lee Cronin makes his feature directorial debut from a screenplay he co-wrote with Stephen Shields about Sarah (Seána Kerslake), who moves to the Irish countryside with her young son Chris (James Quinn Markey) and...
- 12/5/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Horror to screen at Fantastic Fest, San Sebastian, BFI London Film Festival in October.
A24 has added another unique voice to its roster, acquiring North American rights from Bankside Films to Peter Strickland’s horror film In Fabric following its recent world premiere in Tiff Midnight Madness.
The film will receive its Us premiere as opening night at Fantastic Fest on Thursday in Austin, Texas, and screens in competition at San Sebastian International Film Festival next week, and BFI London Film Festival in October.
In Fabric stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste as a lonely woman separated from her husband, who visits a...
A24 has added another unique voice to its roster, acquiring North American rights from Bankside Films to Peter Strickland’s horror film In Fabric following its recent world premiere in Tiff Midnight Madness.
The film will receive its Us premiere as opening night at Fantastic Fest on Thursday in Austin, Texas, and screens in competition at San Sebastian International Film Festival next week, and BFI London Film Festival in October.
In Fabric stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste as a lonely woman separated from her husband, who visits a...
- 9/18/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
A24 has bought North American rights to the horror film “In Fabric,” following its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
The distributor plans a 2019 theatrical release for Peter Strickland’s title. Bankside Films negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
Strickland directed from his own script about a lonely woman who buys a cursed gown from a sinister London department store. “In Fabric” will make its U.S. debut at Fantastic Fest on Sept. 21. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill, Julian Barratt, Steve Oram, and Gwendoline Christie star in the pic.
Andy Starke produced “In Fabric.” The exec producers are Rose Garnett, Lizzie Francke, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Stephen Kelliher, Hilary Davis, Andrew Boswell, Ben Wheatley, and Ian Benson. The movie was financed by BFI Film Fund, BBC Films, Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology, and Twickenham Studios.
“There’s no reason a movie about a devil dress should work,...
The distributor plans a 2019 theatrical release for Peter Strickland’s title. Bankside Films negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
Strickland directed from his own script about a lonely woman who buys a cursed gown from a sinister London department store. “In Fabric” will make its U.S. debut at Fantastic Fest on Sept. 21. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill, Julian Barratt, Steve Oram, and Gwendoline Christie star in the pic.
Andy Starke produced “In Fabric.” The exec producers are Rose Garnett, Lizzie Francke, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Stephen Kelliher, Hilary Davis, Andrew Boswell, Ben Wheatley, and Ian Benson. The movie was financed by BFI Film Fund, BBC Films, Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology, and Twickenham Studios.
“There’s no reason a movie about a devil dress should work,...
- 9/18/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
A24 announced on Tuesday that it has acquired North American rights to Peter Strickland’s acclaimed new horror flick “In Fabric.”
The film, which debuted as part of the Midnight Madness program in the Toronto International Film Festival, will make its U.S. premiere Thursday as part of Opening Night of Fantastic Fest.
Directed and written by Strickland, “In Fabric” is about a woman who buys a cursed gown from a strangely sinister department store outside of London, continues in the vein of the British filmmaker’s earlier psychological work.
A24 plans to release the film domestically in 2019.
“Peter Strickland is one of the most exciting and original filmmakers working today. He has a unique talent for making horror films that burrow deep into the back of your mind, films that...
The film, which debuted as part of the Midnight Madness program in the Toronto International Film Festival, will make its U.S. premiere Thursday as part of Opening Night of Fantastic Fest.
Directed and written by Strickland, “In Fabric” is about a woman who buys a cursed gown from a strangely sinister department store outside of London, continues in the vein of the British filmmaker’s earlier psychological work.
A24 plans to release the film domestically in 2019.
“Peter Strickland is one of the most exciting and original filmmakers working today. He has a unique talent for making horror films that burrow deep into the back of your mind, films that...
- 9/18/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
A24 has acquired North American rights to In Fabric, Peter Strickland’s stylish horror film that just had its world premiere the the Toronto Film Festival in its Midnight Madness section. The distributor plans a 2019 theatrical release. Bankside Films negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
The news comes as the pic, about a lonely woman who buys a cursed gown from a strangely sinister London-area department store, makes its U.S. premiere Thursday at Fantastic Fest. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill, Julian Barrett, Steve Oram and Gwendoline Christie star.
Strickland also penned the script.
Andy Starke produced, and Rose Garnett, Lizzie Francke, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Stephen Kelliher, Hilary Davis, Andrew Boswell, Ben Wheatley and Ian Benson executive produced.
The film was financed by BFI Film Fund, BBC Films, Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology and Twickenham Studios.
The news comes as the pic, about a lonely woman who buys a cursed gown from a strangely sinister London-area department store, makes its U.S. premiere Thursday at Fantastic Fest. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill, Julian Barrett, Steve Oram and Gwendoline Christie star.
Strickland also penned the script.
Andy Starke produced, and Rose Garnett, Lizzie Francke, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Stephen Kelliher, Hilary Davis, Andrew Boswell, Ben Wheatley and Ian Benson executive produced.
The film was financed by BFI Film Fund, BBC Films, Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology and Twickenham Studios.
- 9/18/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Bankside handles international sales in Berlin.
CBS Films has acquired Us rights to the Automatik and First Generation Films mystery-thriller Strange But True starring Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Nick Robinson, and Margaret Qualley. Bankside is handing international sales at the Efm.
Rowan Athale directed from Eric Garcia’s adapted screenplay based on the novel by John Searles about a couple who receive a visit from a pregnant woman claiming their son who died five years ago on Prom Night is the father of her child.
Rounding out the key cast are Brian Cox, Blythe Danner, Mena Massoud, and Connor Jessup.
Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik produced with Christina Piovesan of First Generation Films.
Deepak Nayer and Laure Vaysee of Motion Picture Capital, Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, Compton Ross and Phil Hunt of Head Gear Films, and John Penotti, Ross Katz, Tim Williams and Brian Kornreich served as executive producers. Motion Picture Capital...
CBS Films has acquired Us rights to the Automatik and First Generation Films mystery-thriller Strange But True starring Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Nick Robinson, and Margaret Qualley. Bankside is handing international sales at the Efm.
Rowan Athale directed from Eric Garcia’s adapted screenplay based on the novel by John Searles about a couple who receive a visit from a pregnant woman claiming their son who died five years ago on Prom Night is the father of her child.
Rounding out the key cast are Brian Cox, Blythe Danner, Mena Massoud, and Connor Jessup.
Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik produced with Christina Piovesan of First Generation Films.
Deepak Nayer and Laure Vaysee of Motion Picture Capital, Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, Compton Ross and Phil Hunt of Head Gear Films, and John Penotti, Ross Katz, Tim Williams and Brian Kornreich served as executive producers. Motion Picture Capital...
- 2/16/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Bankside handles international sales in Berlin.
CBS Films has acquired Us rights to the Automatik and First Generation Films mystery-thriller Strange But True starring Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Nick Robinson, and Margaret Qualley.
Rowan Athale directed from Eric Garcia’s adapted screenplay based on the novel by John Searles. Bankside is handing international sales at the Efm in Berlin.
Strange But True follows a couple who receive a visit from a pregnant woman claiming their son who died five years ago on Prom Night is the father of her child.
Rounding out the key cast are Brian Cox, Blythe Danner, Mena Massoud, and Connor Jessup.
Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik produced with Christina Piovesan of First Generation Films.
Deepak Nayer and Laure Vaysee of Motion Picture Capital, Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, Compton Ross and Phil Hunt of Head Gear Films, and John Penotti, Ross Katz, Tim Williams and [link=nm...
CBS Films has acquired Us rights to the Automatik and First Generation Films mystery-thriller Strange But True starring Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Nick Robinson, and Margaret Qualley.
Rowan Athale directed from Eric Garcia’s adapted screenplay based on the novel by John Searles. Bankside is handing international sales at the Efm in Berlin.
Strange But True follows a couple who receive a visit from a pregnant woman claiming their son who died five years ago on Prom Night is the father of her child.
Rounding out the key cast are Brian Cox, Blythe Danner, Mena Massoud, and Connor Jessup.
Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik produced with Christina Piovesan of First Generation Films.
Deepak Nayer and Laure Vaysee of Motion Picture Capital, Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, Compton Ross and Phil Hunt of Head Gear Films, and John Penotti, Ross Katz, Tim Williams and [link=nm...
- 2/15/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
John Butler’s third feature gets sales deal.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films is launching John Butler’s Papi Chulo at this year’s European Film Market (Efm).
Golden Globe-winning Matt Bomer (The Magnificent Seven) will star alongside Alejandro Patiño (The Runaways) in the black comedy about a lonely TV weatherman who strikes up an unusual friendship with a middle-aged Latino migrant worker.
Director Butler’s last two features, The Stag and Handsome Devil, both premiered in Toronto. The latter was picked up by Netflix.
Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan of Treasure Entertainment are producing the film, which is being financed by the Irish Film Board, Head Gear Films, Rte and Windmill Lane.
Executive producers are Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films and Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films
Stephen Kelliher said of the project: “We have long admired John Butler’s work and were delighted to read his script which tells such...
UK sales outfit Bankside Films is launching John Butler’s Papi Chulo at this year’s European Film Market (Efm).
Golden Globe-winning Matt Bomer (The Magnificent Seven) will star alongside Alejandro Patiño (The Runaways) in the black comedy about a lonely TV weatherman who strikes up an unusual friendship with a middle-aged Latino migrant worker.
Director Butler’s last two features, The Stag and Handsome Devil, both premiered in Toronto. The latter was picked up by Netflix.
Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan of Treasure Entertainment are producing the film, which is being financed by the Irish Film Board, Head Gear Films, Rte and Windmill Lane.
Executive producers are Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films and Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher for Bankside Films
Stephen Kelliher said of the project: “We have long admired John Butler’s work and were delighted to read his script which tells such...
- 2/8/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Bankside handles international sales.
IFC Films has acquired Us and Canadian distribution rights to recent Sundance premiere A Kid Like Jake starring Claire Danes, Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer and Priyanka Chopra.
The film is adapted by Daniel Pearle from his play of the same name and is directed by Silas Howard. IFC plans a summer release. Bankside handles international sales.
A Kid Like Jake debuted in the Premieres section in Park City and follows New York City parents as they try to find the right primary school for their four-year-old son, Jake.
Parsons produced with Todd Spiewak, and Eric Norsoph for That’s Wonderful Productions, Paul Bernon for Burn Later Productions, and Rachel Song for Xs Media.
Executive producers are Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, David Bernon, Sam Slater, Jackie Bernon, Rowan Riley, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Hilary Davis, Stephen Keliher, Patrick Howson, David Gendron, and Ali Jazayeri.
“We are excited and proud to be working with such an...
IFC Films has acquired Us and Canadian distribution rights to recent Sundance premiere A Kid Like Jake starring Claire Danes, Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer and Priyanka Chopra.
The film is adapted by Daniel Pearle from his play of the same name and is directed by Silas Howard. IFC plans a summer release. Bankside handles international sales.
A Kid Like Jake debuted in the Premieres section in Park City and follows New York City parents as they try to find the right primary school for their four-year-old son, Jake.
Parsons produced with Todd Spiewak, and Eric Norsoph for That’s Wonderful Productions, Paul Bernon for Burn Later Productions, and Rachel Song for Xs Media.
Executive producers are Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, David Bernon, Sam Slater, Jackie Bernon, Rowan Riley, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Hilary Davis, Stephen Keliher, Patrick Howson, David Gendron, and Ali Jazayeri.
“We are excited and proud to be working with such an...
- 2/1/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
Industry veteran steps aside after 35 years in business.
Source: Hilary Davis
‘Hilary Davis’
Bankside Films co-managing director Hilary Davis has stepped down after 11 years at the company and is taking a “break” from the industry after 35 years in the business.
The industry veteran will not remain a shareholder at Bankside, which she set up in 2007 alongside company director Stephen Kelliher with backing from Head Gear Films MD Phil Hunt.
Davis, who stepped down at the end of 2017, told Screen: “After 35 years in the film industry at HandMade Films, Alibi Communications, Beyond Films and Bankside Films, I felt it was an appropriate time for me to take a break. I wish everyone well at Bankside Films for their continued success.”
Kelliher will oversee management of Bankside going forward and will remain as director. Hunt will continue as MD of both Bankside and financier Head Gear. There are no plans to replace Davis and there was no further comment from the...
Source: Hilary Davis
‘Hilary Davis’
Bankside Films co-managing director Hilary Davis has stepped down after 11 years at the company and is taking a “break” from the industry after 35 years in the business.
The industry veteran will not remain a shareholder at Bankside, which she set up in 2007 alongside company director Stephen Kelliher with backing from Head Gear Films MD Phil Hunt.
Davis, who stepped down at the end of 2017, told Screen: “After 35 years in the film industry at HandMade Films, Alibi Communications, Beyond Films and Bankside Films, I felt it was an appropriate time for me to take a break. I wish everyone well at Bankside Films for their continued success.”
Kelliher will oversee management of Bankside going forward and will remain as director. Hunt will continue as MD of both Bankside and financier Head Gear. There are no plans to replace Davis and there was no further comment from the...
- 1/15/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- ScreenDaily
Bankside Films handles international sales.
Amy Landecker will join Jim Parsons and Claire Danes in the drama A Kid Like Jake from That’s Wonderful Productions.
CAA arranged financing for the film and represents Us rights, while Bankside Films handles international sales.
Daniel Pearle adapted his Lincoln Center play, A Kid Like Jake andSilas Howard directs. Production has begun in New York.
On the eve of the admissions cycle for New York City kindergartens, Alex and Greg Wheeler have high hopes for their son Jake, a precocious four-year-old who happens to prefer Cinderella to GI Joe.
As Alex and Greg navigate their roles as parents, a rift grows between them and forces them to confront their concerns about what’s best for Jake and each other. Octavia Spencer, Priyanka Chopra and Ann Dowd also star.
Landecker will portray Sandra, a patient in Greg’s therapy practice. Landecker can currently be seen on the big screen in [link...
Amy Landecker will join Jim Parsons and Claire Danes in the drama A Kid Like Jake from That’s Wonderful Productions.
CAA arranged financing for the film and represents Us rights, while Bankside Films handles international sales.
Daniel Pearle adapted his Lincoln Center play, A Kid Like Jake andSilas Howard directs. Production has begun in New York.
On the eve of the admissions cycle for New York City kindergartens, Alex and Greg Wheeler have high hopes for their son Jake, a precocious four-year-old who happens to prefer Cinderella to GI Joe.
As Alex and Greg navigate their roles as parents, a rift grows between them and forces them to confront their concerns about what’s best for Jake and each other. Octavia Spencer, Priyanka Chopra and Ann Dowd also star.
Landecker will portray Sandra, a patient in Greg’s therapy practice. Landecker can currently be seen on the big screen in [link...
- 7/12/2017
- ScreenDaily
Zodiac Features plans a late-summer shoot in Cleveland, Ohio. Bankside Films handles international sales.
Zodiac Features has announced Helen Hunt will star in its horror film I See You.
Adam Randall will direct the film from a script by Devon Graye about a child abduction investigator struggling with infidelity in his marriage.
As his wife’s guilt gnaws away at her grip on reality, a malign presence infiltrates the investigator’s home, putting the young son in mortal danger. An unexpected change in perspective reveals a ghost from the past, and the truth about the real evil in their household is finally uncovered.
Matt Waldeck will produce for Zodiac Features, while Ben Hecht will serve as executive producers for Zodiac, alongside Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher and Patrick Howson for Bankside Films, and Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films.
Hunt will next be seen in Candy Jar with Christina Hendricks and Live Like Line with Erin Moriarty...
Zodiac Features has announced Helen Hunt will star in its horror film I See You.
Adam Randall will direct the film from a script by Devon Graye about a child abduction investigator struggling with infidelity in his marriage.
As his wife’s guilt gnaws away at her grip on reality, a malign presence infiltrates the investigator’s home, putting the young son in mortal danger. An unexpected change in perspective reveals a ghost from the past, and the truth about the real evil in their household is finally uncovered.
Matt Waldeck will produce for Zodiac Features, while Ben Hecht will serve as executive producers for Zodiac, alongside Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher and Patrick Howson for Bankside Films, and Phil Hunt and Compton Ross for Head Gear Films.
Hunt will next be seen in Candy Jar with Christina Hendricks and Live Like Line with Erin Moriarty...
- 6/7/2017
- ScreenDaily
Bankside Films, CAA represent family drama in Cannes.
Octavia Spencer will join Jim Parsons and Claire Danes in the drama A Kid Like Jake from That’s Wonderful Productions.
Bankside Films will commence international sales in Cannes on the film that will shoot this summer in New York, while CAA is handling North American sales.
Based on his Lincoln Center Play, A Kid Like Jake was adapted for film by Daniel Pearle and will be directed by Silas Howard.
On the eve of the admissions cycle for New York City kindergartens, Alex and Greg Wheeler have high hopes for their son Jake, a bright and precocious four-year-old who happens to prefer Cinderella to GI Joe.
Aware they can’t afford private school tuition, Judy, the director of Jake’s preschool, encourages them to accentuate Jake’s ‘gender variant’ expression to help him stand out and try to get a scholarship.
As [link=nm...
Octavia Spencer will join Jim Parsons and Claire Danes in the drama A Kid Like Jake from That’s Wonderful Productions.
Bankside Films will commence international sales in Cannes on the film that will shoot this summer in New York, while CAA is handling North American sales.
Based on his Lincoln Center Play, A Kid Like Jake was adapted for film by Daniel Pearle and will be directed by Silas Howard.
On the eve of the admissions cycle for New York City kindergartens, Alex and Greg Wheeler have high hopes for their son Jake, a bright and precocious four-year-old who happens to prefer Cinderella to GI Joe.
Aware they can’t afford private school tuition, Judy, the director of Jake’s preschool, encourages them to accentuate Jake’s ‘gender variant’ expression to help him stand out and try to get a scholarship.
As [link=nm...
- 5/12/2017
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Lee Cronin’s feature debut casts rising talent Seána Kerslake in main role.
Bankside Films has acquired worldwide sales rights to Irish Film Board-backed horror film The Hole In The Ground.
Lee Cronin’s directorial debut will star rising local talent Seána Kerslake (A Date For Mad Mary) as a young single mother who is trapped between rationality and the unexplained as she becomes convinced her little boy has been transformed by something sinister from the depths of a mysterious sinkhole.
Kerslake had a minor role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ hit drama The Lobster.
The film will be produced by John Keville and Conor Barry of Irish production outfit Savage Productions, and co produced by Benoit Roland of Wrong Men in Belgium and Ulla Simonen of Made in Finland and is to be funded by The Irish Film Board with the participation of Head Gear Films.
Phil Hunt and Compton Ross serve as executive producers for [link...
Bankside Films has acquired worldwide sales rights to Irish Film Board-backed horror film The Hole In The Ground.
Lee Cronin’s directorial debut will star rising local talent Seána Kerslake (A Date For Mad Mary) as a young single mother who is trapped between rationality and the unexplained as she becomes convinced her little boy has been transformed by something sinister from the depths of a mysterious sinkhole.
Kerslake had a minor role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ hit drama The Lobster.
The film will be produced by John Keville and Conor Barry of Irish production outfit Savage Productions, and co produced by Benoit Roland of Wrong Men in Belgium and Ulla Simonen of Made in Finland and is to be funded by The Irish Film Board with the participation of Head Gear Films.
Phil Hunt and Compton Ross serve as executive producers for [link...
- 5/12/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Author: Zehra Phelan
Chloe Grace Moretz, Josh Gad, and Britain’s own Jack O’Connell have all signed on the dotted line to star in Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman’s romantic story Party of the Century which is focused on Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball.
Party of the Century is an unexpected love story between O’Connell’s working-class elevator operator and Moretz’s Hollywood ingénue, both of whom score coveted invites to Capote’s (who will be played by Gad) soiree.
Truman Capote was not only known for his literary brilliance, the man also held the most lavish of social affairs in his heyday, this one story of his turbulent life was initially revealed via Deborah Davis’s book Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote in which the synopsis read;
In 1966, everyone who was anyone wanted an invitation to Truman Capote...
Chloe Grace Moretz, Josh Gad, and Britain’s own Jack O’Connell have all signed on the dotted line to star in Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman’s romantic story Party of the Century which is focused on Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball.
Party of the Century is an unexpected love story between O’Connell’s working-class elevator operator and Moretz’s Hollywood ingénue, both of whom score coveted invites to Capote’s (who will be played by Gad) soiree.
Truman Capote was not only known for his literary brilliance, the man also held the most lavish of social affairs in his heyday, this one story of his turbulent life was initially revealed via Deborah Davis’s book Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote in which the synopsis read;
In 1966, everyone who was anyone wanted an invitation to Truman Capote...
- 5/11/2017
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Bankside Films announced today Jack O’Connell, Chloe Grace Moretz and Josh Gad will star in Academy Award nominated writer /directors Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman’s Party of the Century, a New York romance based around Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball.
Gad will portray Capote.
Tim Perell will produce the film through his shingle Process Media. Bankside Films will exclusively handle foreign sales, with CAA and Bankside Films co-representing North American rights. Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher and Patrick Howson will executive produce for Bankside Films. Head Gear Films will provide production financing with Phil Hunt and Compton Ross acting as executive producers. Party of the Century will shoot later this year in New York City.
Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman commented, “Our film is a delicate balance of worlds converging at a pivotal moment in time. Jack,...
Bankside Films announced today Jack O’Connell, Chloe Grace Moretz and Josh Gad will star in Academy Award nominated writer /directors Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman’s Party of the Century, a New York romance based around Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball.
Gad will portray Capote.
Tim Perell will produce the film through his shingle Process Media. Bankside Films will exclusively handle foreign sales, with CAA and Bankside Films co-representing North American rights. Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher and Patrick Howson will executive produce for Bankside Films. Head Gear Films will provide production financing with Phil Hunt and Compton Ross acting as executive producers. Party of the Century will shoot later this year in New York City.
Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman commented, “Our film is a delicate balance of worlds converging at a pivotal moment in time. Jack,...
- 5/10/2017
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Bankside to handle sales on love story Party Of The Century.
Jack O’Connell, Chloe Grace Moretz and Josh Gad are to star in Us romance Party Of The Century, based on Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball.
American Splendor writer-director team Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman are behind the New York-set movie, which is due to shoot later this year.
Bankside will launch the project to buyers in Cannes.
Inspired by an apocryphal tale, Party of the Century is described as an unexpected love story between Pete (O’Connell), a working-class elevator operator, and Fawn (Moretz), a beautiful Hollywood ingénue, both of whom score coveted invites to Capote’s iconic masquerade ball held on November 28, 1966 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Beauty And The Beast star Gad will portray Breakfast at Tiffany writer Capote.
Tim Perell will produce the film through his shingle Process Media. Bankside Films will handle...
Jack O’Connell, Chloe Grace Moretz and Josh Gad are to star in Us romance Party Of The Century, based on Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball.
American Splendor writer-director team Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman are behind the New York-set movie, which is due to shoot later this year.
Bankside will launch the project to buyers in Cannes.
Inspired by an apocryphal tale, Party of the Century is described as an unexpected love story between Pete (O’Connell), a working-class elevator operator, and Fawn (Moretz), a beautiful Hollywood ingénue, both of whom score coveted invites to Capote’s iconic masquerade ball held on November 28, 1966 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Beauty And The Beast star Gad will portray Breakfast at Tiffany writer Capote.
Tim Perell will produce the film through his shingle Process Media. Bankside Films will handle...
- 5/10/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Tessa Ross, Amanda Nevill have already spoken at industry forum Female Film Leaders.
Director Gurinder Chadha and BFI head of international Isabel Davis are the latest industry to sign up for film industry forum Female Film Leaders.
The free to attend UK initiative, devised as a practical response to gender imbalance in the industry, sees senior figures working in the film industry talk openly about their careers to a small group of female junior industry executives.
Former Film4 boss Tessa Ross and BFI CEO Amanda Nevill have already taken part in the series this year.
Speakers in 2016 included Julie Baines from Dan Films, Alison Owen from Monumental Pictures, Hilary Davis from Bankside Films, Nicole Mackey from HanWay Films and Katie Goodson-Thomas from Fox Searchlight.
The forum is the brainchild of Emma Dutton, partner at UK production outfit Sharp House, Yana Georgieva, international sales manager at Bankside Films, and Emma Yap, junior acquisitions...
Director Gurinder Chadha and BFI head of international Isabel Davis are the latest industry to sign up for film industry forum Female Film Leaders.
The free to attend UK initiative, devised as a practical response to gender imbalance in the industry, sees senior figures working in the film industry talk openly about their careers to a small group of female junior industry executives.
Former Film4 boss Tessa Ross and BFI CEO Amanda Nevill have already taken part in the series this year.
Speakers in 2016 included Julie Baines from Dan Films, Alison Owen from Monumental Pictures, Hilary Davis from Bankside Films, Nicole Mackey from HanWay Films and Katie Goodson-Thomas from Fox Searchlight.
The forum is the brainchild of Emma Dutton, partner at UK production outfit Sharp House, Yana Georgieva, international sales manager at Bankside Films, and Emma Yap, junior acquisitions...
- 4/13/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Disney wins Distributor Of The Year; Fox and Picturehouse each take home four awards.Scroll down for full list of winners
Disney, Fox and Picturehouse were the big winners at the Screen Awards 2016, recognising excellence in UK marketing, distribution and exhibition.
The awards were handed out at a glamorous ceremony at The Brewery in London tonight (October 20). Broadcaster Edith Bowman hosted the event for the fifth year.
Disney Studios took home the hotly contested distributor of the year award, having delivered the biggest film of all time at the UK box office, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which also scooped theatrical campaign of the year (100 sites and over).
Twentieth Century Fox were triumphant in four categories, winning 3D campaign of the year for The Martian, premiere of the year (100 sites or above) for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, marketing team of the year and PR team of the year (in-house). Deadpool was also highly commended in theatrical campaign...
Disney, Fox and Picturehouse were the big winners at the Screen Awards 2016, recognising excellence in UK marketing, distribution and exhibition.
The awards were handed out at a glamorous ceremony at The Brewery in London tonight (October 20). Broadcaster Edith Bowman hosted the event for the fifth year.
Disney Studios took home the hotly contested distributor of the year award, having delivered the biggest film of all time at the UK box office, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which also scooped theatrical campaign of the year (100 sites and over).
Twentieth Century Fox were triumphant in four categories, winning 3D campaign of the year for The Martian, premiere of the year (100 sites or above) for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, marketing team of the year and PR team of the year (in-house). Deadpool was also highly commended in theatrical campaign...
- 10/20/2016
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
The winners have been announced at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The festival’s top prizes were awarded to Ben Sharrock’s Pikadero (UK-Spain), which took the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film, Argyris Papadimitropoulos’s Suntan (Greece) which won Best International Feature Film, and Johan Grimonprez’s Shadow World (Us), which won Best Documentary Feature Film.
The Michael Powell jury, which included actress Kim Cattrall, Spanish filmmaker Iciar Bollain and actor Clancy Brown, also gave a special mention to Mercedes Grower’s Brakes.
On their selection of Scottish film-maker Sharrock’s Basque-language debut about a young Spanish couple’s attempt to navigate their country’s economic crisis, the Michael Powell jury said: “We wanted to recognise the very personal and individual voice on director Ben Sharrock for his film Pikadero. In a year when the jury viewed a selection of very distinctive and different films, his film really stood out.”
On handing...
The festival’s top prizes were awarded to Ben Sharrock’s Pikadero (UK-Spain), which took the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film, Argyris Papadimitropoulos’s Suntan (Greece) which won Best International Feature Film, and Johan Grimonprez’s Shadow World (Us), which won Best Documentary Feature Film.
The Michael Powell jury, which included actress Kim Cattrall, Spanish filmmaker Iciar Bollain and actor Clancy Brown, also gave a special mention to Mercedes Grower’s Brakes.
On their selection of Scottish film-maker Sharrock’s Basque-language debut about a young Spanish couple’s attempt to navigate their country’s economic crisis, the Michael Powell jury said: “We wanted to recognise the very personal and individual voice on director Ben Sharrock for his film Pikadero. In a year when the jury viewed a selection of very distinctive and different films, his film really stood out.”
On handing...
- 6/24/2016
- ScreenDaily
Littered with an international cast comprised of Theo James, Stephanie Sigman, Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Peña, Tessa Thompson and Caleb Landry Jones, while John Michael McDonagh doesn’t make it three for three with the notably absent Brendan Gleeson, this might count as his third trip to Park City. The festival has been a good luck charm for this filmmaker of Irish decent as both his debut, and sophomore films have played passionately well with critics and auds alike. With rich moral complex and comedic contributions in Irish cinema (2011’s The Guard and 2014’s Calvary), the English-born filmmaker changed sceneries, bringing this crime comedy across the pond for a shoot Stateside. War On Everyone shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico this past April.
Gist: Two corrupt cops in New Mexico set out to blackmail and frame every criminal unfortunate enough to cross their path. Things take a sinister turn, however, when they...
Gist: Two corrupt cops in New Mexico set out to blackmail and frame every criminal unfortunate enough to cross their path. Things take a sinister turn, however, when they...
- 11/26/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Exclusive: Shoot underway in South Africa on Chris Smith thriller.
Emory Cohen (The Place Beyond the Pines, The Gambler) has joined Tye Sheridan (Mud, Joe) and Bel Powley (The Diary of A Teenage Girl) in the cast of writer-director Chris Smith’s (Get Santa) thriller Detour, which is now underway in South Africa.
Supporting cast on the film includes True Blood’s Stephen Moyer and newcomer Jared Abrahamson (Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days).
Sheridan will star as law student and all round good guy Harper who suspects his stepdad Vincent (Moyer) of causing the car crash that landed his mother in a coma.
Drowning his sorrows in a seedy La whisky bar, Harper ends up drinking with Johnny Ray (Cohen), a tough redneck who offers to “take care” of Vincent for a cool $20,000. Powley will play Ray’s beautiful but distant girlfriend.
Producers are Julie Baines and Jason Newmark with financing from Head Gear Films...
Emory Cohen (The Place Beyond the Pines, The Gambler) has joined Tye Sheridan (Mud, Joe) and Bel Powley (The Diary of A Teenage Girl) in the cast of writer-director Chris Smith’s (Get Santa) thriller Detour, which is now underway in South Africa.
Supporting cast on the film includes True Blood’s Stephen Moyer and newcomer Jared Abrahamson (Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days).
Sheridan will star as law student and all round good guy Harper who suspects his stepdad Vincent (Moyer) of causing the car crash that landed his mother in a coma.
Drowning his sorrows in a seedy La whisky bar, Harper ends up drinking with Johnny Ray (Cohen), a tough redneck who offers to “take care” of Vincent for a cool $20,000. Powley will play Ray’s beautiful but distant girlfriend.
Producers are Julie Baines and Jason Newmark with financing from Head Gear Films...
- 2/16/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Oscar nominee Michael Lerner (Barton Fink) [pictured], Kevin Dunn (Veep), and Zach Knighton (Happy Endings) have joined Mickey Rourke in Ashby, which started shooting this week in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nat Wolff (The Fault In Our Stars), Emma Roberts and Sarah Silverman also star.
Tony McNamara (The Rage In Placid Lake) writes and directs.
The story follows the relationship between neighbours Ed Wallis, a high school student (Wolff) and Ashby, a retired CIA assassin (Rourke) who only has a few months left to live.
The producers are Langley Park Pictures’ Kevin McCormick and Rory Koslow; Tagline Pictures’ Josh Kesselman; and Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt and Compton Ross. Stephen Kelliher and Hilary Davis of Bankside Films serve as executive producers; Bankside also handles international sales. CAA-uta jointly rep North American rights.
Bankside has already pre-sold the film to Cis & Baltic States (Exponenta), Greece (Hollywood Films), Middle East (Shooting Stars), and South Africa (M-net).
Stephen Kelliher, Head of Sales...
Nat Wolff (The Fault In Our Stars), Emma Roberts and Sarah Silverman also star.
Tony McNamara (The Rage In Placid Lake) writes and directs.
The story follows the relationship between neighbours Ed Wallis, a high school student (Wolff) and Ashby, a retired CIA assassin (Rourke) who only has a few months left to live.
The producers are Langley Park Pictures’ Kevin McCormick and Rory Koslow; Tagline Pictures’ Josh Kesselman; and Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt and Compton Ross. Stephen Kelliher and Hilary Davis of Bankside Films serve as executive producers; Bankside also handles international sales. CAA-uta jointly rep North American rights.
Bankside has already pre-sold the film to Cis & Baltic States (Exponenta), Greece (Hollywood Films), Middle East (Shooting Stars), and South Africa (M-net).
Stephen Kelliher, Head of Sales...
- 6/27/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Our International Sales Agent (Isa) of the Day coverage has resumed for this year's Cannes Film Festival. We will feature successful, upcoming, innovative and trailblazing agents from around the world (during and after the festival) and cover the latest trends in sales and distribution. Beyond the numbers and deals, this segment will also share inspirational and unique stories of how these individuals have evolved and paved their way in the industry, and what they envision for the new waves in global cinema.
The London based Bankside Films is a newer company on the sales and distribution scene, but don't let it fool you. Its highly talented and experienced team makes this boutique sales agency a leader in the industry. The Bankside Films library consists of 35 films, aside from the titles it's currently selling, including Freeheld, Ashby, and Detour. This year has been its best year with the recent success of Belle, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, and Tom Wilkinson.
Co-Managing Director Hilary Davis shares more about her years and wealth of experience that helps to make Bankside Films a distinguished company in independent cinema, the company's background and latest films, and reflects on trends and changes in the industry:
How did Bankside Films begin?
Bankside Films was formed in January of 2007. We have Stephen Kelliher, who's our head of sales. Stephen and I were working at a company called Beyond Films, it was an Australian company, but we were the film division based in London. While we were there, we started a joint venture with Phil Hunt, whereby he funded a couple of minimum guarantees on our behalf. As a result, we started to put everything under one roof. We started talking about creating a company together, and it happened very quickly. In fact, we were able to transfer the last eight films that Stephen and I had been selling at Beyond Films into the new company. We started out with a small library, and we've been growing it ever since.
We are in the fortunate position of having access to funds, via our main investor, but our core business is international sales. I've been doing it for 32 years now. Stephen has been in the business for 20 years. It's a boutique style company, but we use all our contacts with financiers and filmmakers worldwide to invest in films and actually sell them.
Our library has about 35 titles. That's not including the films we're actively selling, which totals to about eight. We're always looking for English language projects by distinctive filmmakers (we don't do foreign language) of high quality that we believe will be able to sell. We look for films that are unique and of top quality, because that's what the buyers always want. Even if it's a story that's been told many times before, they always want some new slant to it.
What do you look for when considering projects?
We've always had our successes with the more outlandish, left field stories. Whenever we're considering a project, we always have that debate. What is the hook? What is going to appeal to the buyers? We have to think about all these things, and we have to keep a very keen eye on cast. Who's rising? Who's not? Who's good? It is a brutal business, and you're only as good as your last film.
We have to also keep an eye on what's working in the box office, which territories are strong, and which ones are going down. You know it's fascinating, because it gives you a worldview of how territories are doing and who's coming up in terms of countries and economies. You know they've been up and down, and up again.
I think Russia was coming up so strongly and quickly, but now it's declined a little bit. India and China have exploded. Brazil is very strong at the moment. It's always about North America, and the buyers always say to us, "Who's going to distribute your film in America?” so that's still a key country.
How are sales this year?
Our biggest success to date is with Belle, a film that has been a tipping point in our development and has just been released in North America. There's been a lot of press about it in the states. That's going to be released next month on the 13th of June in the UK. We sold that to Fox Searchlight worldwide, in what was a massive deal for us. Frankly, it's been the highlight of our careers, and it's enabled us to move on to the next steps.
We've had our best year ever, and every year in Bankside's development has been an improvement from the previous year. It's been a gradual and steady process of growth. We want to retain our boutique style, and we're never going to become one of these huge companies. That's not who we are. We want to retain that sense of really caring for each film, and remain producer friendly so they'll want to come back to us with their next films. It's hard to do repeat business, but you really build your business when you get the reputation for being very honest, but also very successful. We've spent our careers building our reputations in this way.
Please talk about some of your more recent films.
We've recently done a North American deal with Relativity Media for Hector and the Search for Happiness, which was launched in Berlin this year. It stars Simon Pegg and Toni Collette. That was one of the larger budget films that we worked on, and we invested money into that as well.
We're in post-production on a film called Backtrack, which is an Australian production staring Adrien Brody and Sam Neill. Stephen and I are quite well known in Australia because of our years of experience with Beyond Films. We always have an eye on what's happening in the Australian market, and that's how this film came to us.
Another film in post-production is called X + Y. It's by first time director Morgan Matthews, who has really made his name as a documentarian. He expanded what was a heartfelt documentary into a feature film. We're very pleased with the way it's going, and we're hoping to launch it later in the year. It stars Asa Butterfield and Sally Hawkins.
Please talk about your background.
When I graduated, I saw an advert for a job that said "Film Company. European Languages are an advantage." I could speak French, Italian and Spanish, so I went for the interview. It was the London office and European headquarters of Warner Brothers, and they offered me the job on the spot. That was it, and I was off! I couldn't believe that it was possible to watch films during the day for a job. It was almost too good to be true! I stayed there for 18 months, and then I went to Handmade Films, which was George Harrison's company, and I stayed there for fifteen years. It was the most wonderful company, because it was a production company that would fully finance and distribute films. I started there in 1984, and it was an amazing time. There were about four to five sales companies in London at the time, and now there are over 30. The business has changed so much over the years, but alll these experiences gave me the confidence to start Bankside.
What are some of the biggest changes that you've seen during your career?
There's just more of everything. There are more films, more companies, more producers, and more sellers. This is my 26th Cannes. I think about the past when we didn't have mobile phones. We just got the directions for meetings and stuck with our plans. There wasn't all this last minute "I'm here, where are you?" stuff. I think there's just been an explosion of activity. You see many more films from different cultures and countries. In Cannes, the selectors are so open to that. Look at the range of films in selection; it's quite amazing to see all the varied countries that have films in selection.
I lived in Nice for a year when I was studying, and taught English in a school there. One evening, I took the train from Nice to Cannes during the festival. I was walking around and thought it was so interesting. I never imagined for a moment that I would return in a professional capacity, and now I've been coming back ever since. Seeing Nice from the plane yesterday really took me back to those days. Working in the film business almost feels like a destiny or a fate, especially with my success over the past year... It's just been incredible.
Learn more about the Bankside Films library here.
More About Bankside Films:
Based in London, Bankside is a leading international sales and film finance company for independent films. Founded in January 2007 by Phil Hunt, Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher, Greg Cruttwell and Compton Ross, the company offers a bespoke sales and executive producer service to production companies, representing between eight and ten films a year. Bankside¹s principals have built up strong relationships with international distributors and offer a consistent approach to the market with a wide range of genres and budgets. Since its inception, Bankside cash-flows pre-sales, tax credits and finances gap using its knowledge and extensive relationships with international financiers and distributors.
The London based Bankside Films is a newer company on the sales and distribution scene, but don't let it fool you. Its highly talented and experienced team makes this boutique sales agency a leader in the industry. The Bankside Films library consists of 35 films, aside from the titles it's currently selling, including Freeheld, Ashby, and Detour. This year has been its best year with the recent success of Belle, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, and Tom Wilkinson.
Co-Managing Director Hilary Davis shares more about her years and wealth of experience that helps to make Bankside Films a distinguished company in independent cinema, the company's background and latest films, and reflects on trends and changes in the industry:
How did Bankside Films begin?
Bankside Films was formed in January of 2007. We have Stephen Kelliher, who's our head of sales. Stephen and I were working at a company called Beyond Films, it was an Australian company, but we were the film division based in London. While we were there, we started a joint venture with Phil Hunt, whereby he funded a couple of minimum guarantees on our behalf. As a result, we started to put everything under one roof. We started talking about creating a company together, and it happened very quickly. In fact, we were able to transfer the last eight films that Stephen and I had been selling at Beyond Films into the new company. We started out with a small library, and we've been growing it ever since.
We are in the fortunate position of having access to funds, via our main investor, but our core business is international sales. I've been doing it for 32 years now. Stephen has been in the business for 20 years. It's a boutique style company, but we use all our contacts with financiers and filmmakers worldwide to invest in films and actually sell them.
Our library has about 35 titles. That's not including the films we're actively selling, which totals to about eight. We're always looking for English language projects by distinctive filmmakers (we don't do foreign language) of high quality that we believe will be able to sell. We look for films that are unique and of top quality, because that's what the buyers always want. Even if it's a story that's been told many times before, they always want some new slant to it.
What do you look for when considering projects?
We've always had our successes with the more outlandish, left field stories. Whenever we're considering a project, we always have that debate. What is the hook? What is going to appeal to the buyers? We have to think about all these things, and we have to keep a very keen eye on cast. Who's rising? Who's not? Who's good? It is a brutal business, and you're only as good as your last film.
We have to also keep an eye on what's working in the box office, which territories are strong, and which ones are going down. You know it's fascinating, because it gives you a worldview of how territories are doing and who's coming up in terms of countries and economies. You know they've been up and down, and up again.
I think Russia was coming up so strongly and quickly, but now it's declined a little bit. India and China have exploded. Brazil is very strong at the moment. It's always about North America, and the buyers always say to us, "Who's going to distribute your film in America?” so that's still a key country.
How are sales this year?
Our biggest success to date is with Belle, a film that has been a tipping point in our development and has just been released in North America. There's been a lot of press about it in the states. That's going to be released next month on the 13th of June in the UK. We sold that to Fox Searchlight worldwide, in what was a massive deal for us. Frankly, it's been the highlight of our careers, and it's enabled us to move on to the next steps.
We've had our best year ever, and every year in Bankside's development has been an improvement from the previous year. It's been a gradual and steady process of growth. We want to retain our boutique style, and we're never going to become one of these huge companies. That's not who we are. We want to retain that sense of really caring for each film, and remain producer friendly so they'll want to come back to us with their next films. It's hard to do repeat business, but you really build your business when you get the reputation for being very honest, but also very successful. We've spent our careers building our reputations in this way.
Please talk about some of your more recent films.
We've recently done a North American deal with Relativity Media for Hector and the Search for Happiness, which was launched in Berlin this year. It stars Simon Pegg and Toni Collette. That was one of the larger budget films that we worked on, and we invested money into that as well.
We're in post-production on a film called Backtrack, which is an Australian production staring Adrien Brody and Sam Neill. Stephen and I are quite well known in Australia because of our years of experience with Beyond Films. We always have an eye on what's happening in the Australian market, and that's how this film came to us.
Another film in post-production is called X + Y. It's by first time director Morgan Matthews, who has really made his name as a documentarian. He expanded what was a heartfelt documentary into a feature film. We're very pleased with the way it's going, and we're hoping to launch it later in the year. It stars Asa Butterfield and Sally Hawkins.
Please talk about your background.
When I graduated, I saw an advert for a job that said "Film Company. European Languages are an advantage." I could speak French, Italian and Spanish, so I went for the interview. It was the London office and European headquarters of Warner Brothers, and they offered me the job on the spot. That was it, and I was off! I couldn't believe that it was possible to watch films during the day for a job. It was almost too good to be true! I stayed there for 18 months, and then I went to Handmade Films, which was George Harrison's company, and I stayed there for fifteen years. It was the most wonderful company, because it was a production company that would fully finance and distribute films. I started there in 1984, and it was an amazing time. There were about four to five sales companies in London at the time, and now there are over 30. The business has changed so much over the years, but alll these experiences gave me the confidence to start Bankside.
What are some of the biggest changes that you've seen during your career?
There's just more of everything. There are more films, more companies, more producers, and more sellers. This is my 26th Cannes. I think about the past when we didn't have mobile phones. We just got the directions for meetings and stuck with our plans. There wasn't all this last minute "I'm here, where are you?" stuff. I think there's just been an explosion of activity. You see many more films from different cultures and countries. In Cannes, the selectors are so open to that. Look at the range of films in selection; it's quite amazing to see all the varied countries that have films in selection.
I lived in Nice for a year when I was studying, and taught English in a school there. One evening, I took the train from Nice to Cannes during the festival. I was walking around and thought it was so interesting. I never imagined for a moment that I would return in a professional capacity, and now I've been coming back ever since. Seeing Nice from the plane yesterday really took me back to those days. Working in the film business almost feels like a destiny or a fate, especially with my success over the past year... It's just been incredible.
Learn more about the Bankside Films library here.
More About Bankside Films:
Based in London, Bankside is a leading international sales and film finance company for independent films. Founded in January 2007 by Phil Hunt, Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher, Greg Cruttwell and Compton Ross, the company offers a bespoke sales and executive producer service to production companies, representing between eight and ten films a year. Bankside¹s principals have built up strong relationships with international distributors and offer a consistent approach to the market with a wide range of genres and budgets. Since its inception, Bankside cash-flows pre-sales, tax credits and finances gap using its knowledge and extensive relationships with international financiers and distributors.
- 5/27/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
Period drama, starring Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson, set for release spring 2014.
Fox Searchlight has secured most worldwide rights, including North America and the UK, to Amma Asante’s Belle.
For production details visit
Belle
The film features Gugu Mbatha-Raw in her first starring role along with Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode.
It is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral.
Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson) and his wife (Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.
Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end...
Fox Searchlight has secured most worldwide rights, including North America and the UK, to Amma Asante’s Belle.
For production details visit
Belle
The film features Gugu Mbatha-Raw in her first starring role along with Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode.
It is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral.
Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson) and his wife (Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.
Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end...
- 7/1/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula announced today that the company has acquired most worldwide rights including North America and the United Kingdom to Belle, inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle. Directed by BAFTA Award winner Amma Asante and written by Misan Sagay, Belle features Gugu Mbatha-Raw in her first starring role along with Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson, Academy Award nominee Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode. The film was produced by Damian Jones. The film is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014. “Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a revelation as Belle, she gives a brave and powerful performance joined by an outstanding ensemble cast and we look forward to introducing her to film audiences everywhere. We were entranced by this inspiring story of love and perseverance during a time of significant social and legal changes,...
- 7/1/2013
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Independent Film Week, the first day.
Clearly I should have gotten more sleep last night. But to be honest, the insomnia wasn’t my fault. I was indeed in bed by 10pm but the Sandman refused to pay a visit so after a few hours of work, you can’t blame me for joining my fellow Transatlantic Partners for a nightcap in the hospitality suite. The morning came quickly as my flight from Halifax to Newark was at 8am. Unfortunately the flight was delayed two hours and I had to go directly to Manhattan for Ifp industry meetings upon arrival.
I’d arranged to meet with my writer/director of Salvage, Ari Issler, to exchange business cards and one pagers for our project for use in industry meetings within Ifp’s Emerging Narrative program. I also met with Lanre Olabisi and Nick Huston, the writer/director and fellow producer of...
Clearly I should have gotten more sleep last night. But to be honest, the insomnia wasn’t my fault. I was indeed in bed by 10pm but the Sandman refused to pay a visit so after a few hours of work, you can’t blame me for joining my fellow Transatlantic Partners for a nightcap in the hospitality suite. The morning came quickly as my flight from Halifax to Newark was at 8am. Unfortunately the flight was delayed two hours and I had to go directly to Manhattan for Ifp industry meetings upon arrival.
I’d arranged to meet with my writer/director of Salvage, Ari Issler, to exchange business cards and one pagers for our project for use in industry meetings within Ifp’s Emerging Narrative program. I also met with Lanre Olabisi and Nick Huston, the writer/director and fellow producer of...
- 9/26/2011
- by Ron Simons
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Bankside Films signed actress Frieda Pinto (“Slumdog Millionaire”) for the main role in “Trishna.” The film is based on the classic Thomas Hardy tragic novel called, “Tess Of The d’Urbevilles.” The plot is about the tragic relationship between Jay, a son of a wealthy property developer and Trishna, the daughter of a rickshaw owner. The film will also star Riz Ahmed (“Four Lions”) as Jay. It will be directed by Michael Winterbottom. This will be the third film he directed based on Hardy’s source materials. His previous Hardy films included 1996’s “Jude” with Kate Winslet and Chistopher Eccleston, and 2000’s “The Claim” based on Hardy’s “The Mayor of Casterbridge.” “Michael is one of the UK’s most prolific directors whose following in international territories is significant,” said Hilary Davis, co-managing director of Bankside. “We look forward to bringing his exciting new take on this classic story to the international marketplace.
- 2/17/2011
- LRMonline.com
The Screen Producers Association of Australia (Spaa) has confirmed the line-up of 20 executives – five international, 15 local – who will participate in the SPAAmart market next week.
The participating projects will be assessed by producers, distributors, sales agents and other industry figures.
This the the final line-up:
International
Hilary Davis, Bankside Films, UK Daniel Dale, Independent Film Company, UK Richard Guardian, Lightenng Entertainment, USA Yee Yeo Chang, Hyde Park Imagenation, Singapore Mark Horowitz, H2o Motion Pictures, USA
Australian
Greg Denning, General Manager Theatrical, Icon Film Distribution. Lisa Garner, Marketing Director Theatrical, Icon Film Distribution. Harry Avramidis, Director of Post Production, Marketing and Acquisition, Archlight. James Vernon, Managing Director, Mfm. James Hewison, Theatrical Distribution Manager, Madman. Nick Batzias, Licensing and Business Affairs, Madman. Michael Favelle, CEO, Odins Eye. Rachel Okine, Production and Acquisition Executive, Hopscotch. Seph McKenna, Head of Australian Production, Village Roadshow. Richard Payten, Joint-Managing Director, Transmission. Andrew Mackie, Joint-Managing Director, Transmission.
The participating projects will be assessed by producers, distributors, sales agents and other industry figures.
This the the final line-up:
International
Hilary Davis, Bankside Films, UK Daniel Dale, Independent Film Company, UK Richard Guardian, Lightenng Entertainment, USA Yee Yeo Chang, Hyde Park Imagenation, Singapore Mark Horowitz, H2o Motion Pictures, USA
Australian
Greg Denning, General Manager Theatrical, Icon Film Distribution. Lisa Garner, Marketing Director Theatrical, Icon Film Distribution. Harry Avramidis, Director of Post Production, Marketing and Acquisition, Archlight. James Vernon, Managing Director, Mfm. James Hewison, Theatrical Distribution Manager, Madman. Nick Batzias, Licensing and Business Affairs, Madman. Michael Favelle, CEO, Odins Eye. Rachel Okine, Production and Acquisition Executive, Hopscotch. Seph McKenna, Head of Australian Production, Village Roadshow. Richard Payten, Joint-Managing Director, Transmission. Andrew Mackie, Joint-Managing Director, Transmission.
- 11/9/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
LONDON -- U.K.-based production and finance banner Head Gear Films has absorbed the management team of Beyond Films in kickstarting new international sales outfit Bankside Films, Head Gear said Tuesday.
Head Gear founders -- Phil Hunt, Greg Cruttwell and Compton Ross -- pacted with Beyond veterans Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher in co-founding the new unit.
Davis becomes co-managing director of Bankside, with Kelliher taking on the role of director, sales and marketing.
Hunt, who will co-manage the startup arm, said that setting up the new sales unit was part of an overall strategy to build "a vertically integrated film business."
"Expanding in 2006 from producing to a financing arm and now with the launch of the sales company, we are delighted to have attracted such leaders in their field as Hilary and Stephen To head up our new division," Hunt said.
Joining them at Bankside is former Beyond executive Antonio Salas, who takes up the reins as sales and acquisitions assistant, and Maria Carrion, who will coordinate acquisitions for the new company while continuing in her duties as Head Gear production boss.
Head Gear founders -- Phil Hunt, Greg Cruttwell and Compton Ross -- pacted with Beyond veterans Hilary Davis and Stephen Kelliher in co-founding the new unit.
Davis becomes co-managing director of Bankside, with Kelliher taking on the role of director, sales and marketing.
Hunt, who will co-manage the startup arm, said that setting up the new sales unit was part of an overall strategy to build "a vertically integrated film business."
"Expanding in 2006 from producing to a financing arm and now with the launch of the sales company, we are delighted to have attracted such leaders in their field as Hilary and Stephen To head up our new division," Hunt said.
Joining them at Bankside is former Beyond executive Antonio Salas, who takes up the reins as sales and acquisitions assistant, and Maria Carrion, who will coordinate acquisitions for the new company while continuing in her duties as Head Gear production boss.
LONDON -- The Cinema Guild has picked up North American distribution rights to Anna Reeves' Oyster Farmer, Australia- and U.K- based movie sales and financing house Beyond Films said Thursday. Cinema Guild plans to give the movie a platform release this summer, Beyond said. No further details were disclosed. The film, which stars Kerry Armstrong, David Field, Jim Norton, Alex O'Lachlan, Diana Glenn and Jack Thompson, tells the story of an inept thief who finds salvation by going to work in an isolated community of oyster farmers. Shot entirely on location on the Hawkesbury River in Australia, the movie is a U.K. and Australian co-production. The deal was hammered out by Beyond Films' head of sales and acquisitions Hilary Davis and Ryan Krivoshey at the Cinema Guild. Australia's Dendy Films will release Oyster in Australia and New Zealand.
- 4/21/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- The bon mots fly fast and furious in A Good Woman, which transplants Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan to a new place and time.
But while screenwriter Howard Himelstein and director Mike Barker have done a workable job of drawing the Wilde social satire out of the drawing room, the film never quite manages to travel at the same buoyant velocity as the acerbic wit.
The tone trouble and problematic casting (more about that later) prevent the adaptation from being considered truly Oscar-worthy -- that's referring both to the statuette and Mr. Wilde -- though the delicious dialogue and opulent backdrops still make for a reasonably pleasant viewing experience.
Reverting to Wilde's original title for his play, A Good Woman has been moved up to the 1930s and relocated to the decidedly airier Amalfi coast in Italy.
Several of the characters, meanwhile, now have become Americans.
That would include Robert (Mark Umbers) and Meg (Scarlett Johansson) Windermere, a young newlywed couple in good standing who have left New York's sticky summer behind for some sensible vacationing on the Italian Riviera.
Having the same idea is Mrs. Stella Erlynne (Helen Hunt), a woman of a certain age with a certain reputation to match, who has seemingly exhausted her supply of the wealthy, married New York men who served as her meal ticket.
It doesn't take long before the penniless vamp appears to have landed Robert as her latest conquest, and their frequent sightings together have set the tongues of the sunbathing aristocracy a-flapping.
Meg's discovery that Robert has been issuing a number of checks to Mrs. Erlynne would seem to confirm those rampant rumors, and she receives little solace in the enamored attention paid to her by eligible Lord Darlington (Stephen Campbell Moore).
Of course, things, as it turns out, aren't quite as they appear.
Director Barker (1999's Best Laid Plans), along with cinematographer Ben Seresin, production designer Ben Scott and costume designer John Bloomfield, get the look and feel of the picture up to Merchant Ivory snuff, but there's a prevailing wistfulness hanging over the entire enterprise that has the effect of signaling that weightier third-act twist earlier than necessary.
As for the cast, while Johansson seems to have a natural affinity for period dress, Hunt fares less successfully in the role of the calculating seductress.
She effectively conveys Mrs. Erlynne's vulnerability and pain later on, but Hunt never seems entirely comfortable in her character's skin when she's required to play the shameless vamp with a knack for insinuating herself into the beds and checkbook registers of men who should know better.
As her quite willing next victim, the very wealthy but lonely Tuppy (Tom Wilkinson) nails the required tragicomic pitch with a great deal of self-effacing charm.
A Good Woman
Beyond Films
Credits:
Director: Mike Barker
Screenwriter: Howard Himelstein
Based on the play Lady Windermere's Fan by: Oscar Wilde
Producers: Alan Greenspan, Jonathan English, Steven Siebert, Howard Himelstein
Executive producers: John Evangelides, Mikael Borglund, Hilary Davis, Jimmy De Brabant, Michael Dounaev, Liam Badger, Duncan Hopper, Rupert Preston
Director of photography: Ben Seresin
Production designer: Ben Scott
Editor: Neil Farrell
Costume designer: John Bloomfield
Music: Richard G. Mitchell
Cast:
Mrs. Erlynne: Helen Hunt
Meg Windermere: Scarlett Johansson
Tuppy: Tom Wilkinson
Lord Darlington: Stephen Campbell Moore
Robert Windermere: Mark Umbers
Contessa Lucchino: Milena Vukotic
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 93 minutes...
But while screenwriter Howard Himelstein and director Mike Barker have done a workable job of drawing the Wilde social satire out of the drawing room, the film never quite manages to travel at the same buoyant velocity as the acerbic wit.
The tone trouble and problematic casting (more about that later) prevent the adaptation from being considered truly Oscar-worthy -- that's referring both to the statuette and Mr. Wilde -- though the delicious dialogue and opulent backdrops still make for a reasonably pleasant viewing experience.
Reverting to Wilde's original title for his play, A Good Woman has been moved up to the 1930s and relocated to the decidedly airier Amalfi coast in Italy.
Several of the characters, meanwhile, now have become Americans.
That would include Robert (Mark Umbers) and Meg (Scarlett Johansson) Windermere, a young newlywed couple in good standing who have left New York's sticky summer behind for some sensible vacationing on the Italian Riviera.
Having the same idea is Mrs. Stella Erlynne (Helen Hunt), a woman of a certain age with a certain reputation to match, who has seemingly exhausted her supply of the wealthy, married New York men who served as her meal ticket.
It doesn't take long before the penniless vamp appears to have landed Robert as her latest conquest, and their frequent sightings together have set the tongues of the sunbathing aristocracy a-flapping.
Meg's discovery that Robert has been issuing a number of checks to Mrs. Erlynne would seem to confirm those rampant rumors, and she receives little solace in the enamored attention paid to her by eligible Lord Darlington (Stephen Campbell Moore).
Of course, things, as it turns out, aren't quite as they appear.
Director Barker (1999's Best Laid Plans), along with cinematographer Ben Seresin, production designer Ben Scott and costume designer John Bloomfield, get the look and feel of the picture up to Merchant Ivory snuff, but there's a prevailing wistfulness hanging over the entire enterprise that has the effect of signaling that weightier third-act twist earlier than necessary.
As for the cast, while Johansson seems to have a natural affinity for period dress, Hunt fares less successfully in the role of the calculating seductress.
She effectively conveys Mrs. Erlynne's vulnerability and pain later on, but Hunt never seems entirely comfortable in her character's skin when she's required to play the shameless vamp with a knack for insinuating herself into the beds and checkbook registers of men who should know better.
As her quite willing next victim, the very wealthy but lonely Tuppy (Tom Wilkinson) nails the required tragicomic pitch with a great deal of self-effacing charm.
A Good Woman
Beyond Films
Credits:
Director: Mike Barker
Screenwriter: Howard Himelstein
Based on the play Lady Windermere's Fan by: Oscar Wilde
Producers: Alan Greenspan, Jonathan English, Steven Siebert, Howard Himelstein
Executive producers: John Evangelides, Mikael Borglund, Hilary Davis, Jimmy De Brabant, Michael Dounaev, Liam Badger, Duncan Hopper, Rupert Preston
Director of photography: Ben Seresin
Production designer: Ben Scott
Editor: Neil Farrell
Costume designer: John Bloomfield
Music: Richard G. Mitchell
Cast:
Mrs. Erlynne: Helen Hunt
Meg Windermere: Scarlett Johansson
Tuppy: Tom Wilkinson
Lord Darlington: Stephen Campbell Moore
Robert Windermere: Mark Umbers
Contessa Lucchino: Milena Vukotic
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 93 minutes...
- 9/27/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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