News

Wildcard and Altitude have launched the official trailer for ‘Christy’ – the debut feature from Cork director Brendan Canty.

Developed with BBC Film and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the film is a heartwarming story of second chances, connection, and finding your place in the world.

17-year-old Christy is at a crossroads. Kicked out of his suburban foster home, he moves in with his estranged older brother Shane and his young family. As far as Shane is concerned, this is a temporary arrangement, but Christy begins to feel at home on Cork's working-class Northside. As he makes friends and begins to let the community in, he also reconnects with his past through his seemingly more corrupting extended family, despite Shane’s efforts to protect him. Shane wants something better for Christy at any cost – even if it means he has to push him away. As the brothers look to reconcile their turbulent past,...

Shaunagh Connaire, the two-time Emmy-nominated Irish journalist who has produced documentaries for the likes of the BBC and PBS Frontline and also served as communication director for George and Amal Clooney’s Foundation for Justice, has made her directorial debut.

“Brown Bread,” which is set to have its world premiere at the upcoming Galway Film Fleadh, is a short film that marks Connaire’s first foray into narrative drama, turning her storytelling lens toward emigration and family tension in modern Ireland.

The film — described by Connaire as a “modern twist on the Irish emigration story” — is led by Emmy-winning actress Fionnula Flanagan, Katie McGrath and Dermot Crowley.

Inspired by Connaire’s own experience of being unable to return to Ireland from the U.S. for her godmother’s funeral, “Brown Bead” follows Áine (McGrath), a woman whose return to Ireland from New York to attend her godmother’s memorial mass stirs up old tensions,...

Vertigo Releasing and Wildcard have debuted the teaser trailer for ‘Saipan’, the new film about the infamous confrontation between iconic Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane (Éanna Hardwicke) and his national team manager Mick McCarthy (Steve Coogan) during the team’s preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The thrilling story of football player Roy Keane and his manager Mick McCarthy, and the events leading up to Ireland’s incendiary 2002 World Cup campaign. The intense rivalry between these two personalities transcended the game, gripping an entire nation and the sporting world. On the surface, the feud was all about standards, but deep down, it was a profoundly emotive story of two men whose rivalry and contempt ultimately surpassed the sport they loved. This is the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport.

Directed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn and...

Cunk star Diane Morgan, Monty Python‘s Michael Palin and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Mackenzie Crook all feature in a 10-strong comedy slate at the UK’s BBC.

BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie unveiled the shows today the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where is also revealed more than £500,000 in additional funding for new comedy.

The slate includes Ann Droid (working title), a sitcom vehicle for Morgan; Small Prophets, which is from BAFTA winner and Detectorists star Crook, and stars the likes of Palin and recent BAFTA winner Sophie Willan among others.

Also on the slate is supernatural family sitcom Reluctant Vampire, starring Am I Being Unreasonable?‘s Lenny Rush and from the writers of Alan Partridge; Bill’s Included, a comedy starring Gavin and Stacey‘s Rob Brydon about a middle-aged divorcee renting rooms to students; Christmas special Stuffed, starring Man Like Mobeen star and creator Guz Khan.

Suits star Patrick J. Adams will star in a new Netflix and BBC series, The Bombing of Pan Am 103. New images from the series have been released showing Adams and the rest of the cast in action.

Deadline reports that The Bombing of Pan Am 103, originally called Lockerbie, is a six-part series produced by World Productions that will tell the untold story of the Scottish-u.S. investigation into the 1988 terror attack on Pan Am Flight 103. Joining Adams on the series includes Sex Education's Connor Swindells, Merrit Wever (Unbelievable), and Peter Mullan (Ozark), among others.

The BBC/Netflix drama was written by Jonathan Lee (High Dive) and Gillian Roger Park (The Young Offenders), drawing upon extensive interviews done by filmmaker Adam Morane-Griffiths, who spoke with Scottish police and U.S. investigative agencies.

The real-life Pan Am Flight 103 attack happened when a bomb destroyed the aircraft as it was flying over the Scottish town of Lockerbie,...

Netflix and the BBC have released the first images of their Lockerbie disaster series, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, featuring Suits star Patrick J. Adams.

The six-part World Productions-produced series follows the untold story of the Scottish-u.S. investigation into the 1988 terror attack, during which 270 people were killed when a bomb exploded on a flight en route from Heathrow to JFK.

The series (originally titled Lockerbie) leads up to this year’s jury trial of Abu Agila Masud, the man accused of making the bomb. Abdulbasset Al Megrahi is the only person convicted in connection with the disaster.

Patrick J. Adams and Merritt Wever

Cast includes Connor Swindells (Sex Education), Merritt Wever (Unbelievable), Peter Mullan (Ozark) Tony Curran (Mary & George), Douglas Hodge (The Great), Eddie Marsan (The Power), Nicholas Gleaves (After The Flood) Lauren Lyle (Karen Pirie), Andrew Rothney (The Undeclared War), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Cora Bissett (Annika...

On Friday 20 December 2024, BBC One broadcasts The Young Offenders!

Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Young Offenders” promises to bring some holiday cheer mixed with a dose of humor. Set during the festive season, the story revolves around Mairead, Sgt. Healy, and Conor as they get ready for a new arrival just in time for Christmas.

Conor is still getting the hang of life at home, especially when it comes to chores. His struggles with domestic tasks are a source of comedy, and Mairead steps in to help him out. She takes it upon herself to teach Conor the basics of washing clothes, which is sure to lead to some funny moments.

As the characters navigate the challenges of preparing for Christmas, viewers can expect a blend of heartwarming scenes and light-hearted antics. The episode highlights the importance of friendship and support, especially during the busy holiday season. Fans...

“Red One” star Mary Elizabeth Ellis has joined the cast of Irish wedding comedy “Ditched.”

Based on bestselling novel “Bride Squad Runaway” by Caroline Grace-Cassidy and Lisa C. Carey, the feature film features Ellis as feisty and commitment-phobic sports journalist Lauren who embarks on a road trip through Ireland with two best friends after one of them is left at the altar.

Caroline Grace-Cassidy and Lisa C. Carey

Jade Jordan (“The Virtues”) co-stars as Lauren’s friend Ava, who is grieving the recent loss of her mother, and Amy de Bhrún (“Jason Bourne”) as Kate, who is grappling with balancing her career as a top lawyer with her family, including two young kids. With life getting in the way, the trio have lost touch somewhat but a devastating event sees them reunite stronger than ever.

“When Ava’s wannabe-rock star fiancé Simon is a no-show on the big day, the trio embark on a fury-fuelled,...

Based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula as well as an Irish legend, the upcoming vampire movie Feed has begun production ahead of the American Film Market next week, Deadline reports.

From director Marco van Belle (Mercy), the upcoming vampire movie Feed is being shot in Ireland. Fitting, given that the film is inspired by the Irish myth of the Dearg Due.

According to Wikipedia (linked above), “Dearg-due, an Irish name meaning ‘red bloodsucker,’ is a female demon that seduces men and then drains them of their blood.”

“The film follows a group of twenty something social media influencers who spend a weekend at a remote contemporary house in an Irish forest, and must fight for their lives when they awaken the world’s original vampire from her slumber.”

Grace Collender (Fréwaka) stars alongside Clinton Liberty, Daisy Jelley, Niamh Hogan, Rhys Mannion and Oskar Smith.

“With people using social media to...

Marco van Belle’s Irish female vampire origin feature Feed has begun shooting in Ireland’s coastal region of County Wexford, which also recently hosted the shoot of Small Things like These, as Metro International Entertainment continues sales at AFM.

The film follows a group of twenty something social media influencers who spend a weekend at a remote contemporary house in an Irish forest, and must fight for their lives when they awaken the world’s original vampire from her slumber. Van Belle previously wrote sci-fi Mercy starring Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Annabelle Wallis, which is currently in post-production.

It gathers an ensemble cast of emerging Irish and UK talent, including Grace Collender (Fréwaka), Clinton Liberty Daisy Jelley, Niamh Hogan, Rhys Mannion and Oskar Smith.

Feed takes its cue from the Irish myth of the Dearg Due, which also inspired Irish writer Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’.

Writer and director Van Belle previously wrote sci-fi Mercy starring Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Annabelle Wallis, which is currently in post-production.

“With people using social media to make their mark and get rich quick, I’m fascinated to explore the fragility of modern influencer culture by putting our characters against a ruthless creature that has the true power of influence,” said the director

Producers are Ripple World’s Jac Kerrin and Dominic Wright, with Big Safari’s Richard Kondal and Tianna Roberts as UK co-producers.

Niamh Fagan is Executive Producer for Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann, who are providing production finance and financed development. Creativity Capital is providing production finance, with Patrick Fischer executive producing.

Will Machin, Sam Parker and Michael Yates are Executive Producers for Metro International Entertainment who are handling international sales and will launch the film to buyers at the AFM.

Feed is financed by Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann, Ireland’s Section 481 Producer tax credit, the UK’s Independent Feature Tax Credit, Creativity Capital, Creativity Media, Koala FX, Screen Ireland’s Nationwide Fund, with Metro International providing an Mg and arranging presal...

Irish composer and songwriter Ray Harman has been appointed chair of the Screen Ireland board by Catherine Martin, Ireland’s minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Harman’s credits include 2022 comedy-drama Joyride and TV series The Young Offenders and Love/Hate. He succeeds Susan Bergin who stepped down earlier this year.

Additionally, Normal People producer Catherine Magee has joined as a board member. Magee was nominated for a TV Bafta for Normal People. She has also produced Conversations With Friends and Tim Mielants’ Berlinale opener Small Things Like These starring Cillian Murphy.

Screen Ireland also confirmed CEO Désirée Finnegan...

On Friday 7 June 2024, BBC One broadcasts an episode of the series The Young Offenders!

Season 4 Episode 5 Episode Summary

In this episode of “The Young Offenders” airing on BBC One, viewers are in for a heartwarming and humorous installment of the beloved comedy-drama series. Mairead finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the role of party host as she prepares to celebrate Star’s birthday, adding an element of surprise and chaos to the festivities.

Meanwhile, Conor steps up to the plate to help Jock join the party remotely, showcasing the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that define the core relationships of the show. As Conor and Jock navigate the challenges of celebrating from a distance, viewers can expect plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments along the way.

Against the backdrop of Cork’s vibrant streets, the episode unfolds with the signature wit and charm that have endeared “The Young Offenders” to audiences around the world.

On Friday 7 June 2024, BBC One broadcasts an episode of the series The Young Offenders!

Season 4 Episode 6 Episode Summary

In this episode of “The Young Offenders” airing on BBC One, viewers are in for another installment of the acclaimed comedy-drama series. As the story unfolds, Jock finds himself attempting to communicate with Star, adding a humorous and potentially awkward dynamic to their interactions.

Meanwhile, Mairéad is faced with the daunting task of revealing a secret, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic revelation that could have far-reaching consequences for the characters involved. As tensions mount and emotions run high, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, drama, and heartfelt moments.

With its blend of humor and genuine emotion, “The Young Offenders” continues to captivate audiences with its endearing characters and relatable storylines. As the series delves deeper into the lives of its protagonists, viewers are treated to a glimpse...

This Friday, June 7th, at 10:40 Pm, BBC One presents another gripping episode of “The Young Offenders.” In Season 4, Episode 6, tensions rise as Jock attempts to communicate with Star, leading to a confrontation that could change their relationship forever. Meanwhile, Mairéad finds herself in a difficult position as she is forced to reveal a secret that could have profound consequences for herself and those around her.

As Jock navigates the complexities of his relationship with Star, viewers can expect intense drama and emotional moments as the characters confront their feelings and face the consequences of their actions. The episode promises to delve into themes of love, friendship, and loyalty as the characters grapple with their personal struggles and strive to find resolution.

Meanwhile, Mairéad’s revelation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline, raising questions about trust, honesty, and the bonds that tie the characters together. With its blend of humor,...

The popular Irish comedy series, The Young Offenders, returns with its fourth season, and in episode four, viewers will witness a fresh challenge for Conor as a new Fake Billy Murphy enters the scene and steals something invaluable to him. In this episode, a new impersonator of Billy Murphy arrives in town, and he sets […]

The Young Offenders: Series 4 Episode 4...

Get ready for a heartfelt and humorous episode of “The Young Offenders,” airing on BBC One at 9:30 Pm on Friday, May 24, 2024. In Season 4 Episode 3, titled “The Young Offenders,” viewers are in for a treat as Mairéad encourages Healy and Conor to embark on a fishing trip to visit Healy’s estranged father.

As the trio sets out on their fishing adventure, viewers can expect plenty of laughs and touching moments as they navigate the complexities of family relationships and reconciliation. With Mairéad’s guidance, Healy and Conor embark on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, all against the backdrop of the picturesque Irish countryside.

Throughout the episode, viewers will be treated to the signature humor and charm that have made “The Young Offenders” a beloved favorite. From comedic mishaps to heartfelt conversations, the dynamic between the characters promises to keep audiences entertained and engaged from start to finish.

Join Healy,...

We have Two special guests this week. The first is the star of Dark Matter and all-round screen legend Jennifer Connelly, who joins us to discuss that series. The second is Swindon native all-round Pilot legend Beth Webb, who jumps back in to the show to cover for Kay, who’s on holiday.

As well as getting ourselves back into quantum superposition for Dark Matter on Apple, we also tackle the final series of Inside No. 9, the fourth series of The Young Offenders and the new Rtd era of Doctor Who, plus James has a lot to say about a certain kissing scene that appears to have traumatised him since last week.

Listen to the episode on your podcast app of choice or the player above. And if you want to subscribe to Pilot TV+, find all the details here.

The BBC has launched a new trailer for the upcoming series 4 of the Irish comedy ‘The Young Offenders’.

Set in Cork, Ireland and created by Peter Foott, The Young Offenders tells the adventures

of loveable rogues Conor (Alex Murphy) and Jock (Chris Walley) and their mother/guardian

Mairead (Hilary Rose) as she tried to keep them on the straight and narrow.

Time has passed and everyone must navigate how relationships change with hilarious and

heartwarming results after Conor and Jock find themselves on the wrong side of the law

again.

Also in trailers – Trailer drops for coming-of-age series ‘Geek Girl’

Series 4 will be available from Friday 10th May on BBC One and iPlayer. Catch up on the first 3 series on iPlayer.

The post Trailer drops for series 4 of BBC comedy ‘The Young Offenders’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.

Exclusive: A second major transatlantic drama series on the Lockerbie bombing terror attack is in the works — this time at the BBC and Netflix.

The British broadcaster and U.S. streamer will co-produce Lockerbie, a factual drama that will explore the joint investigation into the 1988 disaster by Scottish and American authorities.

Pan Am Flight 103 was en route from Heathrow to JFK when a bomb exploded in its hold over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people. It was the worst terror attack ever on British soil.

Line of Duty producer World Productions is making the six-part series in association with MGM Television and Night Train Media. It was developed by MGM and Night Train alongside filmmaker Adam Morane-Griffiths, who initially brought the project to the partners alongside Sara Curran back in 2020.

The BBC and Netflix commission comes more than a year after Sky and Peacock came together to greenlight a separate series,...

The new releases just keep coming here in 2023, and while Scream VI continues to slash up the screen, another Nine brand new horror movies are coming along in its wake this week.

Here’s all the new horror releasing March 14 – March 19, 2023!

For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.

First up, the Elizabeth Banks-directed horror-comedy Cocaine Bear is now available at home beginning today; you can rent the film for $19.99 or Digitally purchase it for $24.99.

From Universal Pictures, Cocaine Bear was released in theaters on February 24, the film gobbling its way to a $51 million domestic haul. Worldwide, the current total is $65 million.

‘Cocaine Bear’ Review – A Raucously Entertaining and Gory Horror-Comedy

The movie is inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985, and it was written by Jimmy Warden. Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) produced.

“The movie finds an oddball group of cops,...

Grabbers director Jon Wright is back with the creature feature Unwelcome (formerly The Little People), and Bloody Disgusting has another exclusive clip for you this week in which we learn that a nightly blood offering should keep “the little people” happy.

Well Go USA Entertainment will unleash Jon Wright’s new horror movie in select theaters across North America (US and Canada) on March 8th as an AMC “Thrills and Chills” exclusive, followed by a PVOD release on March 14, 2023.

The film, described as Gremlins meets Straw Dogs, spins a tale of what happens to people who come in contact with the violent, bloodthirsty goblins known originally in Irish folklore as the fear dearg or “far darrig,” now often referred to worldwide as the “Redcaps.”

Unwelcome, which is directed by Irish-born Jon Wright and based on an original screenplay by Mark Stay, stars Hannah John-Kamen (Red Sonja, Black Mirror, Ant-Man and The Wasp,...

Grabbers director Jon Wright is back with the creature feature Unwelcome (formerly The Little People), and Bloody Disgusting has an exclusive clip for you this week.

This clip introduces the film’s tiny Gremlins-style goblins, one of whom ends up getting well acquainted with a cleaver. And his friends are out for bloody revenge…

Watch Bd’s exclusive first-look clip from Unwelcome below!

Well Go USA Entertainment will unleash Jon Wright’s new horror movie in select theaters across North America (US and Canada) on March 8th as an AMC “Thrills and Chills” exclusive, followed by a PVOD release on March 14, 2023.

The film, described as Gremlins meets Straw Dogs, spins a tale of what happens to people who come in contact with the violent, bloodthirsty goblins known originally in Irish folklore as the fear dearg or “far darrig,” now often referred to worldwide as the “Redcaps.”

Unwelcome, which is directed...

“Bridgerton’s” Nicola Coughlan and “It’s a Sin’s” Lydia West are set to co-star in a new comedy for Channel 4 titled “Big Mood” (working title).

The show, which was previously titled “Super Close,” will be produced by Fremantle’s Dancing Ledge Productions. It was written and created by Camilla Whitehill (“Porters”). “Brooklyn Nine Nine” director Rebecca Asher is also on board to helm the six part series, which is set to start shooting this spring. Fremantle will handle global sales.

According to the logline, the show “is a vivacious and rebellious portrayal of female friendship when infiltrated by the complexities of a serious mental illness.”

It follows the friendship of Maggie (Coughlan) and Eddie (West) who spent their twenties living in each other’s pockets.

But as they look forward to the next decade – with all its pressures, career-related and otherwise – Maggie’s bipolar disorder makes an unwelcome return.

Stars: Hannah John-Kamen, Douglas Booth, Colm Meaney, Chris Walley, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Kristian Nairn, Niamh Cusack | Written by Jon Wright, Mark Stay | Directed by Jon Wright

Director Jon Wright has a good track record when it comes to comedy horror, having previously made high school slasher Tormented (2009) and boozy creature feature Grabbers (2012). His latest film, Unwelcome, adds more monsters to his menagerie, in an effective genre offering that plays like Straw Dogs meets Gremlins, by way of Leprechaun.

Unwelcome opens in a dodgy area of London, where newly pregnant couple Maya (Hannah John-Kamen) and Jamie (Douglas Booth) are brutally beaten after local thugs invade their flat. Nine months later, with Maya’s baby imminent, the pair relocate to rural Ireland, after Jamie inherits his aunt’s house.

Almost immediately, Maya is warned that there are certain rituals that have to be obeyed, specifically that she has to leave a piece of...

Grabbers director Jon Wright is back with the creature feature Unwelcome (formerly The Little People), and it’s getting a brand new release date just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Well Go USA Entertainment will unleash chilling the creature feature in select theaters on March 10, followed by a PVOD release on March 14, 2023.

The film, described as Gremlins meets Straw Dogs, spins a tale of what happens to people who come in contact with the violent, bloodthirsty goblins known originally in Irish folklore as the fear dearg or “far darrig,” now often referred to worldwide as the “Redcaps.”

Unwelcome, which is directed by Irish-born Jon Wright and based on an original screenplay by Mark Stay, stars Hannah John-Kamen (Red Sonja, Black Mirror, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Ready Player One) and Douglas Booth (Loving Vincent, hit Netflix film The Dirt, Jupiter Ascending, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) as a couple...

Marvel sequel knocked ‘Minions: The Rise Of Gru’ off the number one spot.

Rank Film (distributor) Three-day gross (July 8 - 10) Total gross to date Week 1. Thor: Love And Thunder (Disney) £9.1m £12.3m 1 2. Minions: The Rise Of Gru (Universal)

£4.3m £18.5m 2 3. Elvis (Warner Bros) £1.3m £13.8m 3 4. Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount) £1m £70.6m 7 5. Jurassic World Dominion (Universal) £559,872 £31.7m 5

Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.19

Thor: Love And Thunder shot to the top of the UK-Ireland box office over the weekend, taking £9.1m from 696 locations for Disney – the widest ever release in the UK/Ireland for a Marvel Cinematic Universe title.

This figure is...

New releases this weekend include ‘Brian And Charles’ and Julian Assange documentary ‘Ithaka’.

Hoping to storm to the top of the UK-Ireland box office this weekend is Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love And Thunder, which is opening for Disney in 690 locations – making it the widest ever release in the territory from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The fourth film in the Thor series sees Chris Hemsworth return as the Asgardian god, and reunited with Natalie Portman as a super-powered Jane Foster. Together, they must square off a new villain, played by Christian Bale. Tessa Thompson and Russell Crowe also star.

It...

Documentary had UK premiere last night at Sheffield DocFest.

Wildcard Distribution has acquired theatrical rights to documentary Lyra in Ireland and the UK, and Cinephil has signed on for international sales.

The documentary, which had its UK premiere last night (June 26) at Sheffield DocFest, traces the life and death of Northern Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee.

McKee’s journalism highlighted the consequences of the Troubles, seeking justice for crimes that had been forgotten since the Good Friday Agreement. She was murdered by dissident Republicans in 2019.

Directed by BAFTA-winning Alison Millar, the documentary uses hours of voice recordings from McKee’s mobile,...

With its affection for loopy gadgets, unlikely friendships, and large vegetables, the new UK comedy “Brian and Charles” resembles a live-action Aardman film. (Think “Wallace & Gromit” shot to look like a documentary.)

On a new Be Reel, I chat with director Jim Archer about his debut feature.

Continue reading ‘Brian And Charles’ Director Jim Archer Talks Rebellious Robots, Mannequin Heads & Mockumentary Pitfalls [Be Reel Pocast] at The Playlist.

Exclusive: Even before the pandemic, the foreign sales market became mired down with some risky bets, i.e. the over exorbitant Roland Emmerich sci-fi disaster title Moonfall which carried a 140M production cost (resulting in a 44.3M WW gross), and Simon Kinberg’s femme spy ensemble The 355 at a 75M cost (which grossed just under 28M WW).

But there’s arguably a safer way to make moolah in the foreign sales sphere and that’s off of YA feature adaptations.

True, it’s been a while since the grand slam days of Lionsgate’s Hunger Games series and Summit International’s Twilight franchise, however, these movies can be made off a low cost yielding singles, doubles, or even home runs at the box office. Or worst case scenario, be in the black simply off their sales to streamers. And if a movie strikes out, it doesn’t sting so...

Theater

British Singer and TV personality Peter Andre (“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” “Strictly Come Dancing”) will make his West End debut as Vince Fontaine in an upcoming production of Jim Jacobs and Waren Casey’s stage musical “Grease,” playing at the Dominion Theatre starting May 17, with previews from May 3.

Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the show returns to the West End for the first time since playing at the Piccadilly Theater in 2007. Key casting includes Dan Partridge (“Hairspray”) and OIivia Moore (“Waitress”) as Danny and Sandy, with Jocasta Almgill (“Romeo & Juliet”) as Rizzo and Paul French (“Greese” U.K. Tour) as Kenickie.

“I’m beyond excited to be making my West End debut playing Vince Fontaine in ‘Grease’ at the beautiful Dominion Theatre,” said Andre. “’Grease’ is such an iconic musical and we can guarantee audiences will have the most...

Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Jon Wright’s horror film, Unwelcome, with plans to release it in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2022.

The film will be distributed to UK theaters by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and make its streaming premiere following the close of its theatrical window via AMC Network’s Shudder, which negotiated exclusive North American rights with Well Go.

Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth star in the creature feature, as a couple who escape their urban nightmare to the tranquility of rural Ireland, only to hear stories of mysterious beings who live in the gnarled, ancient wood at the foot of their new garden. As warned by their new neighbors, in Irish mythology, the Redcaps will come when called to help souls in dire need of rescue, but it’s crucial to...

The aim is for greater emphasis on executive production and co-production.

London-based international sales, production and finance company Protagonist Pictures, whose titles include Censor and Venice’s Official Competition, has restructured its team, with three new appointments and a slew of promotions.

Alexis Hamaide joins as marketing manager from L’Avventura Studio in Paris, former Carnaby International and WestEnd Films exec Jonathan Walik has been appointed sales executive and Isabel Ivars, who has previously worked at Wide Management and Films Boutique is the new library and festivals manager.

“Our new roles reflect the shifting landscape of film financing and Jonathan,...

Production

BBC Studios Germany has secured its first commission since launching in the territory this year — a local adaptation of British sitcom “Miranda” — and is co-producing the eight-part series for Zdf Neo with Studio Zentral.

“Miranda,” a BBC production written by and starring Miranda Hart, will be adapted for a German audience with the working title “Ruby” and will be directed by Natascha Beller. The screenplay is being adapted by Giulia Becker (“Kroymann”) and Anika Soisson (“Findher”) and Anna Böger (“Tatort”) plays the lead role of Ruby. Filming is currently taking place in Cologne.

The show sees Ruby facing the challenges of everyday life in a slightly clumsy way. The cast also includes Irene Rindje and Camill Jammal.

“Miranda” was previously adapted for the U.S. as “Call me Kat,” starring Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory”), by Fox Television, where it has been renewed for a second season.

BBC...

Now in its fourth edition, the showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.

New films from Harry Wootliff, the directors of Notes On Blindness and Yardie star Aml Ameen are among the titles selected for this year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.

The selected filmmakers will present unseen footage from their films to international buyers and festival programmers online on June 17. All eight films are in post-production and will be available to buyers at the pre-Cannes screenings virtual market (June...

David Earl co-wrote and stars in the comedy, which is directed by Jim Archer.

Bankside Films has taken worldwide sales rights to Jim Archer’s UK comedy Brian And Charles, which was developed and co-funded by Film4 and the BFI.

The London-based sales agent is introducing the feature, now in post-production, to buyers at the upcoming Cannes virtual market (June 21-25).

The comedy was written by David Earl and Chris Hayward, and marks the feature directorial debut of Archer, whose credits including BBC seriesThe Young Offenders and 2017 short Brian And Charles, on which the film is based.

Earl, best known...

Shane Allen, BBC’s director of comedy, is leaving the broadcaster to team with recently departed head of comedy commissioning Kate Daughton to launch a new outfit.

Boffola Pictures Limited will specialize in scripted comedy and comedy drama and is backed by “Les Miserables” producer Lookout Point.

The BBC will begin recruitment immediately for a new director of comedy. Allen is due to leave in August. Kate Phillips, director of BBC entertainment, will oversee new scripted comedy commissioning decisions while Allen oversees ongoing productions and works on the BBC Comedy Association’s inaugural plans for a city of comedy, the appointment of a Young People’s Comedy Laureate and the TV re-boot of The New Comedy Awards.

At BBC Comedy, Allen commissioned a range of hits including “Fleabag,” “Man Like Mobeen,” “Detectorists,” “Peter Kay’s Car Share,” “This Country,” “The Young Offenders,” “Upstart Crow,” “Inside Number 9” and “Famalam.” During his tenure,...

Shane Allen, the BBC’s Director of Comedy whose credits include Fleabag, This Country, and The Young Offenders, is leaving the broadcaster to launch his own production company.

Allen is joining forces with Kate Daughton, the recently departed BBC Head of comedy, to form scripted comedy and comedy drama shingle Boffola Pictures Limited, with backing from War And Peace outfit Lookout Point, which is part of the BBC Studios group.

Allen’s tenure at the BBC has seen the broadcaster have regular success in the comedy categories of the National Television Award and the TV BAFTAs. The exec has focused on bringing through new talent, including through Comedy Slices & Threesomes on BBC Three. In 2021, he established the BBC Comedy Association to engage and enable a new wave of talent on and off screen including the return to television of the New Comedy Awards.

The BBC will begin recruitment immediately for a new Director of Comedy.

Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” capped a triumphant edition of the U.K.’s Royal Television Society program awards for the BBC as the broadcaster scored 14 wins.

Coel won actor – female, and writer, and the show also won best miniseries.

In addition to the 29 competitive categories, three further awards were presented. The Judges’ Award was presented to Anne Mensah, VP, original series at Netflix, for her commitment to reflecting society’s diversity on screen; the Outstanding Achievement Award went to “It’s a Sin” creator Russell T. Davies; and the Special Award went to trade association Pact, for its contribution and support to the U.K. television industry throughout 2020.

Chair of the awards, Big Talk Productions CEO Kenton Allen, said: “The incredible range of programming we have seen across all genres and categories in this uniquely challenging year has been exceptional and a terrific representation of the thriving and...

CAA has signed Nathan Foad for representation in all areas, Variety has learned exclusively. He will continue to be represented in the U.K. by Ligeia Marsh and Emma Higginbottom at Curtis Brown.

Foad is a television comedy writer and actor based in the U.K. He was recently selected to join the BBC Comedy Room initiative’s class of 2020, a writer’s program for the comedy writers of the future in London.

Foad has previously worked as a writer on the BBC Three/Rte series “The Young Offenders” as well as “The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice” at Channel 4. He also executive produced his own comedy pilot for Channel 4 along with “Skins” creator Bryan Elsley. He has worked for a number of other major British channels, including Sky One, ITV, and Comedy Central. His writing has been published in Vice and he recently appeared in the...

For the home entertainment release of Pixie, available to Download & Keep on the 15th February and on DVD and rental formats 1st March, we’re giving away 3 copies of the film on DVD! Enter for a chance to own this fun Irish gangster comedy romp starring Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One), Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rhapsody), Darryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), Colm Meaney (Star Trek), Dylan Moran (Black Books), Chris Walley (The Young Offenders) and Alec Baldwin (30 Rock).

Pixie (Cooke) wants to avenge her mother’s death by masterminding a heist, but her plans go awry and she finds herself on the run with two young men who are way out of their depth being chased across the Wild Irish countryside by gangsters. She has to pit her wits against everyone, taking on the patriarchy to claim the right to shape her own life.

Please note: This competition is open to...

Madrid-based international TV powerhouse The Mediapro Studio has sold banner series “The Head” to HBO Max for the U.S. as it powers into English-language production, partnering with John Turturro, “Casualty” writers Jeremy Brock and Paul Unwin, U.K. producer Big Talk and London-based director Guillem Morales.

The drive into U.S. and now most especially U.K. production marks the latest strategic growth in one of the fastest ramp-ups in drama series production in Europe, spearheaded by Laura Fernández Espeso, appointed The Mediapro corporate director in October 2019 and chief executive last month.

“We are making a large bet on fortifying our position in the U.S., U.K. and Latin America, and feature film production, and are proud to be working with a huge range of high-caliber partners,” Fernández-Espeso told Variety.

Underscoring her point, she noted four U.S. projects now in development; a production alliance with Erik Barmack,...

Feature has been co-written and stars cult comedy writer-actor David Earl.

Filming has begun on Jim Archer’s UK comedy feature Brian & Charles for Film4 and the BFI, starring David Earl.

Earl, who also co-wrote the film with Chris Hayward, is best known for his darkly comedic roles in Ricky Gervais series’ Derek and After Life.

Archer’s credits include episodes of BBC sitcom The Young Offenders and the 2017 short Brian & Charles, on which the feature is based and also starred Earl.

The production is taking place in North Wales.

The story centres on Earl’s alter-ego, Brian Gittins, and...

Filming has begun in North Wales locations on Film4 and British Film Institute-backed feature film “Brian & Charles,” cowritten by and starring David Earl (“After Life”).

The project began life as an acclaimed 2017 short of the same name directed by Jim Archer (“The Young Offenders”). Archer makes his feature directorial debut with “Brian & Charles.” The film is written by Earl and Chris Hayward (“Trollied”). It is based on Earl’s comedic alter-ego Brian Gittins, and his unlikely friendship with Charles, a robot.

After a particularly harsh winter, Brian (Earl) goes into a deep depression. Completely alone and with no one to talk to, he does what any sane person would do when faced with such a melancholic situation: he builds a robot, Charles (Hayward), for company. While things start off well, tensions begin to rise, particularly as Charles keeps eating Brian’s cabbages.

The cast also includes Lynn Hunter (“The Personal History of David Copperfield...

Warner Bros. has acquired U.K. rights for creature feature “The Little People,” and will release the film next year.

Director Jon Wright (“Grabbers”) has wrapped the London shoot of the film, that stars Hannah John-Kamen (“The Stranger”) and Douglas Booth (“The Dirt”) as a couple who escape their urban nightmare to live in rural Ireland only to discover malevolent, murderous goblins lurking in their new garden.

The cast also includes Colm Meaney (“The Banker”), Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (“Derry Girls”), Chris Walley (“The Young Offenders”) and Kristian Nairn (“Game of Thrones”). The film is based on an original screenplay by Mark Stay (“Robot Overlords”) and Wright.

“The Little People” is funded by Ingenious Media and is produced by Piers Tempest (“The Wife”) and Peter Touche (“Unhinged”) as a Tempo Production in association with Automatik VFX.

“’The Little People’ is a very modern horror film, with plenty of scares and gore, but also an interesting psychological dimension,...

Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth star in the UK goblin horror.

Warner Bros has secured UK rights to genre horror The Little People, starring Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth, in a deal with Cornerstone Films.

Warner Bros plan to release the creature feature, directed by UK filmmaker Jon Wright (Robot Overlords), in 2021.

Production has wrapped in London on the film, with John-Kamen (Ant-Man And The Wasp) and Booth (The Dirt) newly announced as the two leads. They play two Londoners who escape city life for rural Ireland, only to discover murderous goblins living at the foot of their new garden.

Production has wrapped in London on director Jon Wright’s (Grabbers) creature feature The Little People, whose under-the-radar cast is revealed today as fast-rising Brit actress Hannah John-Kamen (Resident Evil) and Douglas Booth (The Dirt) as a couple who escape their urban nightmare to the tranquility of rural Ireland only to discover malevolent, murderous goblins lurking in wood at the foot of their new garden.

Additonal cast include Colm Meaney (The Banker), Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Derry Girls), Chris Walley (The Young Offenders) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones). Above is a first look at the production.

The film is based on an original screenplay by Mark Stay (Robot Overlords) and Wright.

Warner Bros. has acquired UK rights and is planning to release the film in 2021. Cornerstone Films is handling worldwide sales and distribution and negotiated the deal with Warner Bros. on behalf of the filmmakers.

The Little People is being funded...

One of the most basic elements in life that everyone strives to achieve is happiness, no matter what activities they engage in. That’s certainly the case for adventurous-and equally criminal-Cork-based teenagers, Conor MacSweeney and Jock O’Keeffe, on the coming-of-age television sitcom, ‘The Young Offenders.’ The Irish show, which was developed by Peter Foott, is based […]

The post Chris Walley Reluctantly Agrees to a Boxing Match on The Young Offenders appeared first on Shockya.com.

One of the most basic elements in life that everyone strives to achieve is happiness, no matter what activities they engage in. That’s certainly the case for adventurous-and equally criminal-Cork-based teenagers, Conor MacSweeney and Jock O’Keeffe, on the coming-of-age television sitcom, ‘The Young Offenders.’ The Irish show, which was developed by Peter Foott, is based […]

The post Alex Murphy and Jock O’Keeffe Want to Make Their School Dance Special on The Young Offenders appeared first on Shockya.com.

Disney+ is getting into the Halloween movie business. It has been revealed that the streaming service is making a new original movie titled Spooked. This will be an original production specifically for Disney+ that is described as a "supernatural comedy." For the time being, many details are being kept under wraps but this could serve as a hefty dose of nostalgia for those who grew up watching Halloween movies on the Disney Channel.

According to a new report, Disney has set Peter Foott to direct Spooked. Foott will also re-write the screenplay. The first draft was penned by Tyler Burton Smith, who previously wrote 2019's Child's Play remake. Smith is also behind the upcoming Kung Fury 2. As for Foott, he previously directed 2016's The Young Offenders, which was later turned into a TV series. Some of his other credits include Republic of Telly and The Centre. Dan Lin...