Bringing Fresh Young Stories to LightBlank Slate UK
6th November 2008
Got an idea for a short film? The UK-wide search is on.....
B3 Media are looking to fund up to five of the freshest and hottest short film projects by some of the UK’s best black and minority ethnic filmmaking talent. If selected, you’ll get training, funding and support to make your vision a reality.
Blank Slate isn’t simply handing over a cheque and waiting for the premiere. You’ll get to learn from experienced industry professionals as you develop your script for the big screen. Blank Slate UK kicks off with a screening programme touring the UK where you can sample Blank Slate film screenings, workshops and panel events. For more details of these events in Leicester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, London, Manchester and Bristol visit: here. To apply for tickets email: tickets@b3media.net To find out more and to apply for the programme, click here
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 24th November so you will have to move fast. Now in its sixth year, Blank Slate supports the next generation of black and minority ethnic film-making talent in the production of digital short films. Blank Slate is part of the UK Film Council's UK-wide Digital Shorts Initiative and is funded through the New Cinema Fund, B3 Media and the Arts Council England.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE SHATTERS BOX OFFICE RECORDS WITH £4.94 MILLION OPENINGSony Pictures
3rd November 2008
QUANTUM OF SOLACE, the 22nd James Bond adventure, has made Box Office history on its opening day in the UK, taking a staggering £4.94m and making it the biggest Friday opening of all time. This shatters the previous record held by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which took £4.025m.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE, the latest installment from the longest running franchise in film history, has also beaten the opening day figure for the last Bond movie, Casino Royale, which took £2.9m on its opening day.
QUANTUM OF SOLACE opened in 542 cinemas in the UK and Ireland on Friday 31st October and will release in the US on November 14th.
Produced for EON Productions by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, QUANTUM OF SOLACE is directed by Marc Forster and stars Daniel Craig as the legendary secret agent, James Bond. With a screenplay by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Oscar® winner Paul Haggis, the film picks up the storyline just one hour after the end of CASINO ROYALE, marking the first direct sequel produced by EON Productions.
Sleeping Beauty’s 50th AnniversaryWalt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
28th October 2008
To celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s 50th Anniversary, and to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, zavvi Piccadilly and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment are this week encouraging people all over London to get a much needed Beauty Sleep! Anyone visiting zavvi Piccadilly this Tuesday (28 Oct) will be invited to recreate the magical scene, in which Princess Aurora is cast into deep sleep by the evil Maleficent. Customers will be able to have their picture taken lying upon a stunning recreation of Aurora’s fairytale bed. The images will feature, alongside a wealth of celebrity images, as part of a giant mosaic image of Disney’s iconic Sleeping Beauty. This amazing mosaic, which will feature the likes of Lorraine Kelly, Neil Fox, Ben Shepherd, Ricky Gervais and the original Sleeping Beauty Mary Costa, will then go on to be auctioned off for charity, with the proceeds going to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty mosaic was the staggering findings of a global survey that this week reveals Brits are the world’s worst sleepers, taking far longer to drop off at night, experiencing higher levels of insomnia, often waking up during the night, snoring and falling out of bed more than any nationality!
UPDATE: Hudson Thanks Fans, Asks for Prayers Kit Bowen
27th October 2008
Jennifer Hudson has posted a message on her MySpace page, thanking fans and friends for their words of support and appealing for help to find her missing 7-year-old nephew, according to TMZ. Julian King was reported missing Friday from the family's home, where Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57 and brother, Jason Hudson, 29, died of multiple gunshot wounds. Hudson reached out to her fans in an online message, accompanied by a picture of Julian King, who is believed to have been abducted at the time of the murder. The message reads, 'Thank you all for your prayers and your calls. Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately. Here is a picture of Julian and what he was last seen wearing. Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time.' Yesterday, Julia Hudson, the 31-year-old sister of the actress made a public plea at a Chicago church for the return of her son, AP reports. Hudson’s sister spoke from the podium at Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church alongside the boy's father, Greg King, AP reports. She says her son 'doesn't deserve this.' The Oscar-winning actress' brother-in-law William Balfour has been arrested over the double murder, and is currently being questioned by the police, but no charges have been filed. He is being held by the Illinois Department of Corrections, however, due to breaking the terms of his parole. A source tells TMZ, the 'homicide investigation is still active and ongoing.' Balfour's mother told police that Darnell Donerson had thrown Balfour out of the house last winter. She denied that her son had anything to do with the slayings.Hudson -- who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her tremendous performance in Dreamgirls, and whose song “Spotlight” has hit the top of the R&B charts -- credits her mother and family for keeping her grounded. In a recent interview with AP, Hudson said: 'My faith in God and my family, they're very realistic and very normal, they're not into the whole limelight kind of thing, so when I go home to Chicago that's just another place that's home. I stand in line with everybody else, or, when I go home to my mom I'm just Jennifer, (so she says), 'You get up and you take care of your own stuff.' And I love that; I don't like when people tell you everything you want to hear — I want to hear the truth, you know what I mean?'
Z-J a 3-D Cleopatra?Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte
27th October 2008
Steven Soderbergh is reportedly gearing up for a 3-D live-action rock 'n' roll musical about Cleopatra. The trades today say that the director is looking at Catherine Zeta-Jones to star as the Egyptian queen with Hugh Jackman as her lover Marc Antony. The $30 million Cleo will be set in the 1920s with music from indie rock band Guided by Voices. Soderbergh is about to release the Benicio Del Toro starrer Che and recently wrapped Matt Damon starrer The Informant. He is also readying a Liberace film with Zeta-Jones’ husband Michael Douglas attached to play the entertainer and Damon to play his companion. Zeta-Jones and Jackman have both won praise for their song and dance talents -- she won an Oscar for her turn in big screen musical Chicago and Jackman won a Tony for his turn as Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz.Joseph Mankiewicz directed the legendary 1963 Cleopatra that starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. It was hugely expensive and considered a flop but ultimately won four Oscars.
Jennifer Aniston = Preggers? Brigid Brown
23rd October 2008
The web is blowing up with news over Jennifer Aniston being pregnant with John Mayer’s child. The former Friends actress, who recently rekindled her relationship with Mayer, is believed to have decided to give their romance another try after discovering she was expecting her first child, reports Australia's New Weekly. We thought it was a typical rubber band relationship -- on-again-off-again -- but, maybe they’re giving it a second try for the sake of the baby? The Aussie newspaper reports a source saying: 'The couple has been seen out and about on several dates recently, while Jennifer's figure is said to be looking a little more rounded than usual' Maybe she’s “just fat” like Eva Longoria?
SIR DEREK JACOBI to star in West End Gala film at UK Jewish Film FestivalThe PR Office
23rd October 2008
Acclaimed BAFTA, EMMY and TONY award-winning actor, Sir Derek Jacobi (OTHELLO, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, I, CLAUDIUS) will play Sidney in Third Man Film’s upcoming SIDNEY TURTLEBAUM, which premieres at the West End Gala of UK Jewish Film Festival on November 3. The bitter sweet comedy tells the story of Sidney, an eccentric gay Jewish man in his eighties. To punish the world Sidney earns his living as a pickpocket and a con-man. When Sidney meets 26 year old Gabriel, he cannot resist the opportunity to show off his skills to his new young friend. Set in the heart of London’s Jewish Community, Golders Green, the short film also features rising star Rupert Evans (HELLBOY, THE PALACE) and is directed by Tristram Shapeero, BAFTA nominated Director of the GREEN WING, PEEP SHOW and PULLING.

Festival Director Judy Ironside, said: “The UKJFF is delighted to see respected actors such as Derek Jacobi supporting up and coming talent. We work to ensure that the UKJFF creates a plurality of voices, featuring films that explore the full diversity and experiences of Jewish life and identity, and similarly providing an outlet not just for the work of established directors and screenwriters, but to bring to the fore exceptional films from people at the start of their careers. This is why we are delighted that with our alliance with the Pears Foundation, our Short Film Fund is able to support new film makers such as Third Man Films.” Sidney Turtlebaum is produced by Third Man Film’s Daniel Jewel (Producer of Edinburgh Festival hit play ALLEGIANCE) and is written by BAFTA nominated Writer, Raphael Smith. Third Man Films is a London based production company, currently producing psychological thriller feature ANALOGUE, which was commissioned by Film London’s Microwave Scheme.

View the trailer for Sidney Tirtlebaum - small ~ medium ~ large
To find out more about the film, click here.

'The UKJFF was established 11 years ago in Brighton and moved to London in 2003 when it also launched an extensive UK tour. The festival exhibits films from around the world which engage with Jewish histories, cultures and areas of concern, and explores their relationship and place within a multi-cultural society. Last year the London based festival saw 10,000 tickets sold and UKJFF 2008 looks to be even bigger with more films, new venues and more special events. The UK Jewish Film Festival 2008 runs from November 8 – 20.
Actors on Strike?!Brigid Brown
22nd October 2008
The Screen Actors Guild is putting up a fight and said on Sunday its board had voted to have a federal mediator brought into labor contract negotiations with Hollywood studios. If the arbitration process does in fact fail, the guild has requested that its 120,000 members authorize a strike. A strike authorization would require 75 percent approval of members who vote. Talks with Hollywood studios broke off on June 30 when the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers presented the actors union with a 'final' offer, hours before the old contract lapsed, reports Reuters. 'No matter what SAG does -- whether it be authorizing a strike or following a different approach -- it will not change the harsh reality that currently confronts our industry,' the studio group said in a statement posted on the AMPTP official website. The issue under discussion is a new contract covering union performers in prime-time TV and movies. The two sides are at odds over how actors should be paid for content delivered over the Internet and whether all made-for-online productions should be subject to the union's contract. The studio offer essentially reflects terms approved by several other Hollywood unions, including the settlement that ended a 14-week strike by Hollywood screenwriters in February. The Writer’s Strike left Hollywood at a standstill for four months. 'We hope mediation will help move this process forward,' SAG's national president, Alan Rosenberg, said in a statement. The studio alliance is not open to re-opening negotiations saying on Sunday 'there is simply no justification for SAG to expect a deal that is in excess of what the other Guilds negotiated in better economic times.' The last time SAG staged a strike over its main film and TV contract was in 1980, a walkout that lasted three months.
David Duchovny and Tea Leoni: SplitsvilleEmily Christianson
17th October 2008
Following in the footsteps of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, another Hollywood couple announced their divorce today; David Duchovny and Tea Leoni. Although the pair separated some time ago, even before Duchovny entered sex addiction rehab, they decided to keep their split under the radar for the “sake of their children”, Madelaine, 9, and Kyd, 6, according to their reps. “In light of continuous speculation over the lives and marriage of Tea Leoni and David Duchovny, the couple has confirmed that they have in fact been separated for several months.” The couple wed in May 1997 after a whirlwind romance.
Witherspoon + Volcano = Hot! Hot! Hot! Hollywood.com Staff
17th October 2008
Golden girl Reese Witherspoon teams up with silly man Ben Stiller and the two tackle a volcano in Cameron Crowe's 'hush-hush' romantic comedy. Not everyone is so hot about this idea … David Oliver at Cinematic Happenings Under Development (CHUD) writes, “Now all Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan volcano flick jokes aside, this is about as out there as anything I've heard in a while, but I can certainly keep an open mind where Crowe is concerned” … but if done right the theaters will be overflowing. Keep in mind, Legally Blonde could have easily been a dud with the wrong casting but Witherspoon’s unabashed likeability and effortless charm brought the story to life. On the other hand, Stiller is consistently funny but sometimes his over-the-top characters become caricatures and can be distracting, think Dodgeball. Hopefully that won’t be the case with Crowe there to keep everything in line and on track. CHUD has the inside scoop on the work-in-progress: “The untitled adventure comedy has Stiller starring as disgraced weapons consultant Brian Gilcrest who has to journey to Hawaii to launch an advanced spy satellite in response to an unspecified impending threat from China, but apparently something different than their next batch of preschool gymnasts. “ “The Islanders, of course, are all for helping out, as long as their Hawaiian gods are down. This shouldn't be a problem for Gilcrest, as long as he can make good with one little quid pro quo the gods demand: tossing a sacrifice into the erupting volcano. What's even more diabolical is that, somewhere along the way, Gilcrest runs into former flame, Traci (Witherspoon) and her family and has to deal with the one that got away as he goes on a journey of self-discovery on the island. “
Madonna and Guy Ritchie: DunzoBrigid Brown
17th October 2008
After almost eight years of marriage Madonna, 50, and husband Guy Ritchie, 40, have officially announced their divorce. “Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after 7 l/2 years of marrige,” her rep Liz Rosenberg said in a statement to The Associated Press. “They have both requested that the media maintain respect for their family at this difficult time. A final settlement has not been agreed upon yet.” It sounds like the pair was able to inform their friends and family before the information was leaked to the press according to the The Daily Mirror: Ritchie, who has broken off filming in France to fly back to the UK to inform his parents of the split, is now set to move out of the couple's London home and move into the Wiltshire mansion owned by the pair. A perfectionist like Madonna must dread admitting defeat but The Sun reports that the fighting had become incessant: “They have had a string of shouting matches about the amount of time each devotes to their careers, and over Madonna’s desire to adopt another child. These arguments smashed through their attempts at reconciliation like a sledgehammer. Madonna and Ritchie married in December 2000 at a Scottish castle. The couple have two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted from Malawi in 2006. Madonna also has a 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her relationship with personal trainer Carlos Leon. The couple are reportedly worth some $525 million, the bulk of that belonging to Madonna. Ritchie has an estimated $35 million fortune. They own homes in London, Los Angeles and New York, and a 1,200-acre retreat in Wiltshire, England reports the Associated Press. The couple did not sign a pre-nuptial agreement.
Emma Watson Going Crimson?Brigid Brown
14th October 2008
Emma Watson may be giving up her room and board at Hogwart Academy for a spot at Harvard University. The burgeoning actress who portrays Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films was spied touring the Harvard campus visiting the Admissions Office and taking a peek at Quincy dormitory. Prior to the visit, Watson told the UK Daily Telegraph, “I’ve applied to a few universities for next year, including several American ones. If I do go there I will do a liberal arts degree, but if I stay in the UK I’ll do English literature.” The actress was spotted by Brian P. Hill, ’11, a current Harvard student, who was so flustered by the brush with fame saying, “I actually called my mom; I was so distraught,” he told The Harvard Crimson. “It was all I could think about for the entire morning.” There’s been speculation over the past several weeks that Watson may be applying to Harvard, and her presence on campus may reinforce these claims. According to the campus paper Watson has excelled in her studies, despite spending much of her life on film sets. She achieved straight-A grades on both Advanced Level Examinations and General Certificate of Secondary Education tests, which are commonly-taken British standardized tests. The Dean of Admissions William R. Fitzsimmons declined to comment on Watson’s interest or admissions chances, saying he does not discuss individual cases. Watson herself gave away little to Russell of her plans, saying she was “just visiting.” Both Natalie Portman and Mira Sorvino successfully tackled Hollywood and Harvard.
No Obama-mania Yet for Angelina JolieBrigid Brown
14th October 2008
It may be the biggest question of the presidential campaign: Just who the heck is Angelina Jolie gonna support? Yeah, you'd think it would be Barack Obama. Well, she's still not saying! Though there are some hints in, of all places, the German edition of Vanity Fair. But if you think his multi-cultural roots -- which mirror Jolie's own multi-cultural family -- play a part, you'd be wrong. 'Naturally that's good,' Jolie says, 'but it's not a sufficient reason to vote for him. 'Barack fights for international justice, he wants to militarily intervene in cases of genocide, and close Guantanamo Bay. These are the things that could move me to vote for him, not his roots.' And, she adds: 'Naturally, an American president like Barack Obama would be nice for my family.' Jolie and actor Brad Pitt are parents to six children, three of whom were adopted from other nations -- Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam.  
Why, That Double-Crossing Eric Bana!Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte
13th October 2008
Eric Bana is in talks to star in the remake of Nicolas Boukhrief’s Le Convoyer which, for the time being, at least, is going by the moniker, Armored. The story follows a man who takes a job with an armored car company and ingratiates himself until his co-workers trust him enough to make him part of their heist plans. But, unbeknownst to them, he has plans of his own. Bana had flirted with the project last year before joining J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek, but he’s now back and reportedly has a deal for a $7.5 million payday. However, his participation depends on scheduling. With Be Cool's F. Gary Gray is in talks to direct, Variety reports, shooting is set to start on April 1--and Bana is committed to promoting Star Trek, which is set for a May 8 release. Armored will also likely change titles because of an upcoming drama of the same name. Bana, who began as a standup comedian, is shooting the Judd Apatow-directed Funny People and he is also making his directing debut on Love the Beast, a documentary about men’s obsession with fixing and racing cars. He also stars with Rachel McAdams in The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Johnny Depp in Deep at Disney Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte
13th October 2008
Johnny Depp is to play Jack Sparrow once again. At the Walt Disney Studios Showcase, it was announced that Depp will reprise his Pirates of the Caribbean role along with taking up the part of Tonto in Disney's previously announced The Lone Ranger project and, he will play The Mad Hatter for Tim Burton in Alice in Wonderland. Jerry Bruckheimer will produce Ranger with casting of the titular character underway. He’ll also produce a new National Treasure with Nicolas Cage. Alice in Wonderland, scheduled for 2010, will be shot using 3-D and performance capture technology. In other announcements, Helen Mirren will play a Mossad agent in Miramax’s John Madden-directed The Debt. The project is set to start shooting in 2009. And, as was reported yesterday afternoon, Oprah Winfrey has joined the cast of the animated Princess And The Frog. John Lasseter previewed the upcoming animation slate and told the crowd that Pixar has created a series of short films based on Cars. And, a near-finished version of the 3D animated Bolt and raw footage from The Prince of Persia and the new Tron were also shown.