Sunday 30 September 2012

David Tennant: project updates


The Spies Of Warsaw
On BBC America's The Spies Of Warsaw page, they have added a 'sneak peek' video with clips of the drama.  It will air in America in January 2013 and slightly sooner in the UK 
Source: David Tennant on Twitter
There's some confusion over the broadcast date and DVD release date of The Spies Of Warsaw - see here for details.

Source: DavidTennantOnTwitter

Comedy World Cup
Channel Four have posted episode 3 of Comedy World Cup onto YouTube. Unfortunately the link will only work within the UK. 
The worldwide link to download episode 3 of David Tennant hosting Comedy World Cup has been posted onto Tumblr  
Source: DavidTennantOnTwitter
The international link to download episode two of Comedy World Cup has been posted onto Tumblr.
Source: DavidTennantOnTwitter

Nativity 2! Danger In The Manger
According to the MarkMeets.com website, the premiere of Nativity 2! Danger In The Manger will be on Wednesday 14th Novmber in London. The exact cinema is not known yet and it is not known whether or not David Tennant will be there (but it seems likely!) MarkMeets also says that the celebrity arrivals are likely to be between 5.15pm and 6.15pm (which is the usual time at these events). 
Source: DavidTennantOnTwitter

The Decoy Bride
Behind-the-camera footage of The Decoy Bride from the US DVD has been posted onto Tumblr
Source: DavidTennantOnTwitter 

Other news
  • David Tennant's profile as director is now on the official RSC site
  • David Tennant Daily News Digest available here
  • DavidTennantOnTwitter.com will post a David Tennant Daily Photo each day onto their Facebook page




Greg McHugh: 'Fresh Meat' and Gary Tank Commander' updates, interviews


Fresh Meat series two launch date revealed 
Channel 4's university sitcom also gets a new addition to the student house and a website offering a peek inside JP and co's bedrooms...

Student housemates JP, Josie, Kingsley, Vod, Oregon and Howard will return to Channel 4 for series two of university sitcom Fresh Meat on Tuesday 9 October, RadioTimes.com has learned. And the Bafta-nominated comedy starring Jack Whitehall, Joe Thomas, Kimberley Nixon, Greg McHugh, Zawe Ashton and Charlotte Ritchie also adds a new face to the already eclectic mix of the student house.
"There is a new arrival in the house this term - 'a foreigner' to mess with their vibe," says executive producer Judy Counihan, adding: "Kingsley has a new girlfriend who happens to be Josie’s best friend, Vod has to get a job, Oregon finds true love and Howard and JP discover true friendship."
Meanwhile, fans who fancy a glimpse of JP’s Google search history, or a sneak peek at Josie’s emails, should prepare to log on to Fresh Meat House following the first episode of the new series. Launching immediately afterwards at www.channel4.com/freshmeathouse, the website will give fans the chance to immerse themselves in the university houseshare experience, letting them explore the student's squalid bedrooms for sordid insights into their lives. It also aims to offer "genuine advice and support" to real-life students through interactive online tools such as Josie’s collection of Student Union leaflets, Vod’s spectacularly skewed budget calculator and weekly advice from morose counsellor Nadine.

Source: Radio Times




Interview: Greg McHugh, comedian, actor
Though currently in the middle of filming scenes with Hollywood star and fellow Scot Brian Cox, actor and comedian Greg McHugh has one thing on his mind - the new series of Gary Tank Commander.

Back for season three, episode one has already seen Gary waging his own Battle of the Bulge, when a failed fitness test threatened him with demotion. Thankfully our hero lived to fight another day and writer and star McHugh assures us there’s plenty more laughs to come.

“Gary is going to be put in control of some rather important scenarios, which is, of course, the worst possible situation for him to be in - not that he realises that himself.
“There’s one episode where an MP - played by the brilliant Jack Docherty - comes to visit the barracks at a time when budget cuts are being considered. Sergeant Thompson is meant to be showing him around, but gets injured, leaving Gary in charge of this crucial, crucial visit.”
And there are also some surprises in store, with a “shocking” event in the last episode of the season.
“I can’t wait for it to be on, it’s probably my favourite so far,” promises McHugh. “It’s set at Halloween and the costume department did a brilliant job of making us all look idiotic.
“My costume especially is extremely unflattering, but it will probably raise the biggest laugh of the series. That episode has potentially one of the most dramatic moments too. It’s super-frightening - I think people might be quite shocked. But I’m saying no more - they’re just going to have to wait and see.”

Three years on from the show’s BBC debut, McHugh still can’t believe the response it has received.

“I get tweets all the time from fans of the show telling me how much they enjoy it, or asking when they will be able to see all the seasons where they live. It’s amazing, people have been so nice.
“I still get nervous before the episodes go out. I just really hope people enjoy them. But I never thought I’d be doing more with the character than me and Will Andrews (who will be back again this season playing Cammy, with more Shark World related shenanigans) messing about in my mum’s car. So to be putting out season three is pretty surreal, but in a good way.”

It’s not the only strange experience McHugh has had recently.

“I’ve got a small part in an upcoming BBC comedy series called Bob Servant Independent which stars Brian Cox. I’ve already done one day of filming and I’ve got three more coming up. I can’t wait.
“Doing scenes with Brian Cox is quite something, I was totally blown away. When you’re sitting opposite him you do have to pinch yourself a bit. He’s such an inspiration and a really funny guy too.”

An official screening date for the series, which will be broadcast on BBC Four, is yet to be set, though it is expected sometime over the winter. 

However, before that, Greg will also be returning to our screens in the second series of Channel 4’s hit comedy Fresh Meat.

“Another thing I can’t wait for. There’s some absolutely brilliant scenes and storylines. Again I don’t want to give too much away, but I can tell you that Howard gets a new job in an abattoir, decides to do a bit of amateur sleuthing and also may get a little bit of loving... maybe.
“And there’s going to be a new housemate, but the details of that are being kept completely under wraps for now.”

Gary: Tank Commander, BBC1, Monday, 10.35pm
Source: Scotsman
 

Radio interviews
  • Janice Forsyth talks to Stephen K Amos about his new book, Greg McHugh discusses Gary Tank Commander, and Jimmy Chisholm, Marcella Evaristi and Jamie Dalgleish join for the banter.
    Listen here: BBC iPlayer 


  • Grant Stott interviews "Gary Tank Commander" Greg McHugh
    Listen here: Forth One

Ewan McGregor: Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award

Ewan McGregor  

Ewan McGregor honoured at Spanish film festival
Ewan McGregor has become the youngest actor to be given the Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award at Spain's 60th San Sebastian International Film Festival.

McGregor, 41, was described as "one of the finest actors of his generation".

"It was amazing arriving and feeling the wave of love from Spanish filmgoers," McGregor said, adding: "Thank you".

The Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 1986. Other actors who have received the accolade include Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Woody Allen. 

McGregor was at the festival to present his latest film, The Impossible. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona and starring Naomi Watts, the true story is based on a family that survived the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.

The San Sebastian festival runs in Spain's Basque region until Saturday.

John Travolta, Tommy Lee Jones and Oliver Stone have also been given lifetime achievement awards at this year's festival.

Source: BBC

Also reported by Hollywood Reporter

On 28 September, Ewan tweeted a link to the ceremony
Source: Twitter


James McAvoy: movie updates



Trance set photos
This series of set photos gives us our first look at James McAvoy in Danny Boyle's current film project Trance. The photos were provided by Boyle himself on his Facebook page.  

The movie is a thriller that tells a story about about an art heist gone wrong, and it's also been described as having the same dark, sexy, hard-edged tone of Boyle's other films like Shallow Grave and Trainspotting.

The movie will be released by Fox Searchlight on March of 2013. As a fan of Boyle's work, I'm looking forward to seeing how this one turns out!
Source (with more photos): Geek Tyrant



Welcome to the Punch gets a release date 
James McAvoy is starring alongside the likes of Mark Strong in Welcome To The Punch, which is now lined up for a March 15th 2013 release date.  

Welcome To The Punch finds ex-criminal Jacob Sternwood (Strong) forced to return to London when his son is involved in a heist gone wrong. This gives his nemesis, detective Max Lewinsky (McAvoy), one last chance to catch the man he’s always been after. As the two enemies hurtle towards an unavoidable face off, they start to uncover a deeper conspiracy they both need to solve in order to survive.

Written and directed by London born film maker, Eran Creevy, Welcome to the Punch was filmed across the London and was given unprecedented access to Canary Wharf.
Source: The Movie Bit
 James McAvoy film 'not humble'

James McAvoy has said his new thriller doesn't feel like a British movie.
The actor stars in London-based movie Welcome To The Punch, the second film by British writer/director Eran Creevy.
But X-Men star James told Empire magazine: "The script didn't feel like it had the humility and humbleness of a British film
"Don't get me wrong - I love British film and I love gritty, British drama. But we're not trying to go, 'This is the real world.' We're going, 'Here's a... rip-roaring, really emotionally powerful piece of entertainment,' you know?"
James plays troubled Detective Max Lewinsky in the film, due out next year, which also stars Mark Strong.
The director told the mag that James was prepared to make his character unlikeable.
"A lot of actors would say, 'I can't be seen doing this!' James is like, 'I'll do that. I want him to be arrogant and pig-headed and bitter'," he said.
Source: UKPA



Gary Maitland: 'The Angels' Share' review

The Angels' Share DVD

The Angels’ Share: DVD Review

After winning the prestigious Jury Prize at Cannes back in May, Ken Loach’s heart-warming and very funny tale of redemption and second chances is finally released on DVD this week.

Opening with the expertly cast Gary Maitland’s Albert drunkenly fooling around near an oncoming train, Loach’s pitch perfect Scottish film establishes the dark humour and rather endearing stupidity that lies ahead, while introducing us to the people whose journey we are about to join in the court docks.

After hearing what each of the gang is charged with, we are introduced to our main protagonist, Robbie (Paul Brannigan), who narrowly escapes a hefty custodial sentence due to the new leaf he has turned after learning he is to become a father and because of the very positive influence girlfriend Leonie (Siobhan Reilly) has had on his life.

Due to ongoing family feuds that now simply honour tradition, Robbie is beaten up in a hospital stairwell when merely trying to visit Leonie in labour, but after meeting community service volunteer, Harry (John Henshaw), he finds both friend and father figure. Tasked with looking after the reprobates, Harry develops more than just a paternal liking to the group, taking them to a distillery on his day off. And, while most of the lads are more interested in their tour guide’s shapely figure than the whisky around them, Robbie starts to realise he has quite the nose for it.
When Leonie hands Robbie an ultimatum regarding his future with his son after a shocking but very effective flashback encounter with a boy he attacked, Harry offers him a lifeline with a trip to a whisky meeting in Edinburgh – but he ends up with a little more company than he bargained for. With the dim Albert, often reckless Rhino (William Ruane) and kleptomaniac Mo (Jasmin Riggins) inviting themselves along, Robbie’s talent for blind tasting is truly proven and attracts the attention of serious whisky enthusiast, Thaddeus (Roger Allam).

With newfound faith that he is able to make something of himself away from Glasgow, Robbie takes Albert, Rhino and Mo with him on a whisky pilgrimage to the opening and consequent auction of the very rare Malt Mill. But of course, this is done in their own unique way, hitchhiking for part of the way on a bus full of nuns and wearing kilts so they don’t look like Neds in their usual tracksuits or like they’re going to court in suits. Although this, along with the use of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles may seem to stereotype, Loach ensures it suits the silly and infectious nature of their travels.

It is to the central fours’ credit that the film works so well, delivering Paul Laverty’s screenplay with carefree ease and letting us feel part of their jokes while still feeling as if we are peeking in on private conversations. The magic and effortlessness between this group is what makes The Angels’ Share so entertaining, but Paul Brannigan’s vulnerable and affecting breakout performance as Robbie is the film’s true revelation, guaranteeing he is someone you incessantly root for.

The Angels’ Share may have its fair amount of emotion and heartbreak, but it’s primarily about the importance of family, friends and second chances. With no expected, elongated third act, everything is wrapped up in a perfect fashion to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking film about getting out and doing something with your life, even when everyone and everything seems to be against you.
(4/5)
September 27, 2012 By

Source: Hey U Guys

Greg Hemphill: no revival for 'Still Game'

Still Game stars Victor and Jack

Greg Hemphill insists Still Game won't return to TV screens despite online campaign

The online campaign saw more than 8500 people sign up, however the Scots comic revealed there were no plans to revive the hit show

Still Game star Greg Hemphill has told internet campaigners the show won’t be coming back… for now.

More than 8500 people signed up for a Facebook group to revive Jack and Victor’s adventures. It called on 500 people to tweet Hemphill and encourage him to work with co-creator Ford Kiernan again.

Responding to dozens of tweets, he wrote: “Sorry to report that Ford and I have no plans at the moment to bring Still Game back.”

The hit BBC show ran for 44 episodes between 2002 and 2007. Scots got hooked on the OAPs’ hilarious adventures in fictional Craiglang. But the laughs stopped when Hemphill and Kiernan split over differences at their production company Effingee.

Source: Daily Record

The Paradise : first episode review


New BBC drama The Paradise kicks off with gripping first episode 
The UK’s finest period drama stars unite in BBC adaptation of Emile Zola’s The Paradise

The first episode of The Paradise was a period drama Who’s Who with a cast including Sarah Lancashire (Lark Rise To Candleford), David Hayman (Trial And Retribution), and Joanna Vanderham (Dancing on the Edge), as well as newer stars Elaine Cassidy (Harper's Island), Matthew McNulty (The Syndicate, Misfits), and Emun Elliott (Game Of Thrones).

Bill Gallagher’s adaptation sees Emile Zola’s classic French novel relocated to a British department store. Denise Lovett (Vanderham) arrives in the big city, all wide-eyed and angelic, with the aim of working at her Uncle Edmund’s drapers store. However business is bad, mainly due to the new neighbour across the road, the new department store The Paradise. Changing tact, (and albeit quite disloyally!) Denise goes in search of a job at the new store, where her eyes are well and truly opened to opulence, indulgence and luxury. Here she meets authoritarian Ladieswear overseer Miss Audrey (Sarah Lancashire) and The Paradise owner himself, John Moray (Emun Elliot), a dashing Victorian capitalist. Striving to be the object of said retail tycoon's affections is Katherine, the daughter of a rich banker. John needs financial backing and it is uncertain as to whether he is erring on the side of gold digger in regards to his affections towards the banker’s daughter, or whether he is cautious because of his widower status. We will have to wait and see… 

On Denise’s first day we are introduced to the store’s big characters. First up are fellow sales girls giggly Pauline and the spiteful Clara, next Dudley, Moray’s right hand man striving to keep him out of trouble, and finally the creepy Jonas Franks, who the rest of the staff seem quite terrified of. Denise gives her first sale pitch to the haughty Katherine and lo and behold the sexy Victorian capitalist Moray is watching, securing both Denise’s future at the store and what seems to be a bit of a crush on both sides. At the heart of tonight’s episode is the huge store sale that Mr Moray has organised. Dudley is concerned about the economic risks as Moray seems to have bought more than he can sell. We learn that Moray is a real risk taker, as he ends the heated discussion with Dudley by gambling his store: he asserts that if he can’t pay for the stock then the manufacturers can have his store. In a night time visit Clara sneaks to John Moray’s bedroom and it is brought to the viewer’s attention that these two have history. When rebuffed, Clara threatens to tell all and sundry “how his wife really died.” The threat does however remain empty, for this episode at least. The sale day is ultimately a huge success and plays host to a scene in which Moray forthrightly asks Katherine’s father for financial backing and then pretty much in the same sentence delays his and Katherine’s engagement indefinitely. At the end of sale day Moray boldly brings all the days wages into the store and leaves everyone to collect their bonuses in cash. Hurrah! The sexual tension surrounding Moray and the many unanswered questions left viewers wanting next week’s visit to the 1870s department store to come a lot sooner! 

Source: Entertainment Wise



Emun Elliott introduces the dashing Moray
Emun Elliott
explains the appeal of his modern and fashion-forward character, Moray.  
Source: BBC



Joanna Vanderham - From Student to Star

The Paradise sees the BBC once again going back in time, with the period drama aiming to make the most of the launch of Downton Abbey’s third series and capture a Tuesday night audience.

Perhaps the biggest story of all though is the rise of its star, Joanna Vanderham, the 20 year old from Perth who merely a year ago was a drama student in college and is now the face of a major BBC drama.

It all started with her role in Sky’s Martina Cole adaptation The Runaways. Plucked out of only her second year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Vanderham was thrust into the limelight as joint lead Cathy, caught in a tragic love story with her lifelong companion Eamonn.

For the outside viewer, it was impossible to see that it was her first role on TV, as right out of the gate she was stunning in the role, never showing anything like nerves.

Joanna didn’t show any signs of stopping from there, snaring a role in the BBC’s Young James Herriot drama as the antagonistic love interest Jenny. Jenny was all aloof disdain and high expectations, delivered in smooth style by Vanderham, yet again belying her inexperience.

With a bit part in ITV’s crime drama Above Suspicion to tide her over, it was only a short wait until she was leading a cast list one again in her fledgling career.

Now, playing the earnest and go-getting Denise, Joanna’s set to become a mainstay of BBC One for the next two months as the emotional heart of The Paradise.

The future looks incredibly bright for her too, as she’s secured roles in both the BBC’s massive Stephen Poliakoff drama Dancing On The Edge (alongside such stars as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jenna-Louise Coleman) and movie What Maisie Knew, which will see her working with Julianne Moore and Alexander Skarsgard.

This could be the start of something very big indeed for the young Scot. Remember the name.

Source: Female First


 

Karen Gillan: Big Issue interview





Karen Gillan: My New Frontier
Karen Gillan has seen off Daleks, killed Hitler and even taken Manhattan in her spare time. So what happens after Amy Pond? 

There will be floods of tears next week, as a nation’s children – and many of their parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins and neighbours – tune in to the last ever Doctor Who adventure to feature Amy Pond. Karen Gillan, the flame-haired, razor-sharp Scottish star is waving goodbye to one of the most coveted roles on British TV.

She will leave behind the Tardis, her ‘raggedy man’ Time Lord, and probably the only part she will ever play that involves her interacting with Adolf Hitler and Vincent van Gogh, being scared to blink lest she’s ravaged by sinister statues and discovering she has given birth to a corkscrew-haired time traveller old enough to be her mother.

Though her adventures with the Doctor have taken up the lion’s share of her time since she first stepped foot in the Tardis, ex-model Gillan has also found time to impress rebel Cockney photographer David Bailey, both with her gazelle-like legs and her acting.

Playing Bailey’s muse-mistress Jean Shrimpton, she was stunningly ’60s in BBC Four’s We’ll Take Manhattan. It gave a taste of the bright future for the 24-year-old once she says goodbye to Amy Pond.

I first meet her in Almeria, Spain, on the set of last weekend’s Wild West Doctor Who adventure. Karen is sitting at the piano of a saloon bar, regaling an empty room with showtunes. After following up her turn on the keys with a knees-up around the stage, she says that she’s always ready to bang out a tune, though she doesn’t guarantee that it’ll get the party started.

“I think I was playing a song from Fame,” she laughs. “I’m usually like the weirdo at a party who plays really depressing music. I really like Chopin. Dark stuff like that. My party piece? I have my own composition, which is an easy one to remember, so I always whip that one out, but everyone is like, ‘Mood killer!’”

Five months later and The Big Issue catches up with Karen again. She has completed her final Tardis scenes and is about to jet off to New York for a fancy screening in front of the increasingly obsessive US fans who will, she assures us “scream and cry”.

Her final moments on set have been teary too. “It was just so sad. The last scene we filmed was me, Matt Smith and Arthur Darvill just walking into the Tardis together,” she says. “It is insignificant in terms of the episode, but was so huge for us. It was dark inside and we just hugged. It was lovely. Then I milked it for all it was worth and cried.”

Fans will also be bereft, but Karen at least leaves Doctor Who on a high, and on her own terms. The new series has ditched the complex story arcs in favour of individual, self-contained weekly adventures, each with its own movie-style poster and redesigned logo (for the first the title was styled like a Dalek, for the second it was a dinosaur and so on) – and both viewers and critics are responding favourably. After a final run-in with the Weeping Angels in Manhattan, Karen’s character will never return.

“It will be a real shock to the system when I realise I am not in it any more,” she says. “But I knew what I was getting into when I took the job. This is a show in which the cast changes regularly and that is why it is so long-lasting. I am going to feel sad, but I have had a pretty good run in the companion role, which makes me happy. It is a weird thing to be leaving, but you never really leave the Doctor Who family.”

Having experienced as much variety as any TV role offers, she is now looking to the future, starting with an indie rom-com, a cop show spoof and a US horror film…

So how on earth do you follow Amy Pond – adventurer, time traveller, ass-kicker, memorably worth “at least two men”? Well, I feel like I’m prepared for all the possible genres after playing Amy. And I certainly want variety, that’s for sure. What I enjoy most about acting is being versatile. I like actors like Robin Williams, who can do crazy, absurd characters. I would love to be an actor like that. The one I am really getting into recently is Olivia Colman. She does Peep Show and is brilliant at comedy, but I just watched Tyrannosaur – oh my god! I was on a train going through the Highlands of Scotland crying my eyes out. I want to play character roles, generally. That is my main ambition.

Have you talked about your plans with your on-screen hubby, Arthur Darvill and with ‘Doctor’ Matt Smith? Yeah, we talk about all that stuff. We are very close. It is like having two brothers with Matt and Arthur – the two brothers I never had, because I’m an only child. So it is kinda nice for me.

So you were in Glasgow recently filming Not Another Happy Ending with Life on Mars director John McKay. A low-budget Scottish indie comedy – it is not the most obvious next step… I was just passionate about the script and the role. It all came from playing Jean Shrimpton in We’ll Take Manhattan last year with John. He said I’d be perfect for this role in his film Not Another Happy Ending – because I kept dropping stuff and falling over. It wasn’t a grand plan; it was in the pipeline for a long time and we shot it as soon as I was available. I didn’t know Glasgow that well, although my mum is from there, but I’ve fallen in love with it and want to settle down there. I just love the people – I laughed so much.

You’re playing a novelist – has it made you want to write a book? I don’t think I have a book in me, but I reckon I have a screenplay. No ideas yet, I just like the idea of writing a screenplay. Hopefully I will do that in the future.

You want to settle in Glasgow, then, but where is home for you right now? Cardiff? London? Inverness? I don’t have a house at the moment and I don’t really have a home city. All my possessions are in a storage unit in London. I have a suitcase with a few pieces of clothing, so I’m completely free and home is wherever I end up working, really, and at the moment that is the best feeling in the world. I don’t feel like I need any material possessions. I’m free. I love it so much and I’ve realised that it is quite liberating living without all your material possessions. I’m working in Alabama for the rest of the year, which will be cool, and we will have to see after that. I just go with the flow.

Alabama? Sounds intriguing… Yes! I’m so excited about Oculus. It’s a horror film about a brother and a sister, filming in Alabama. It’s all so varied, which is great, but I’m doing things that I really care about. I’m getting to do so many things I wanted to do, so I’m really happy.

Does this mean Hollywood is on the agenda? If there is good stuff over there for me to do, then yes, of course I would. But I don’t want to do something for the sake of working, if I’m not that into it. When I was about to start on Oculus, I got the script for Charlie Brooker’s A Touch of Cloth. We were able to move the dates forward so I could do that as well. It is really clever at the same time as being ridiculous. It is right up my street, comedy-wise, as we are playing it completely straight and intensely, even though what we are saying is utter nonsense. All those detective dramas we know so well, we will never be able to watch them quite the same again after this.

When you catch your breath, what do you think will you miss most about Doctor Who? Working with my best friends every day has been amazing. I am certainly going to miss getting to do all the Doctor Who acting. It is all quite high-octane... creatures to be running away from – I don’t know how often I’m going to be able to do that in my future jobs. Tennis balls on a stick pretending to be monsters, before the CGI, I won’t be doing much of that in the future. I remember in my first episode someone had written ‘the scrotum’ on the tennis ball, which was a little off-putting. That was a nice welcome!

How would you like Amy Pond to be remembered? I love this girl. I would be too scared to act like her, but I get this artistic licence playing her. I love her dry sarcasm, wit and grumpiness. I’m not a grumpy person. I want to see her go out in flames of glory, where we see her at her absolute best. I just want people to look back over the Pond era fondly. I have had the best years of my life on this show, hand on my heart…

Your last episodes have been described by writer Steven Moffat as his love letters to the Ponds – this sounds pretty terminal… That doesn’t necessarily mean death, but it will be very final. So, yeah, you are going to cry. I hope so, anyway. I like making you cry. That makes me happy…

Source: Big Issue


The Mirror says Karen's moving to Hollywood
The Daily Record says she's moved back to parents

Emun Elliot: 'Threesome' series two

 

Tom MacRae 'Threesome' Q&A: 'Series two is going to be different'

Tom MacRae's sitcom Threesome was a breakout hit for Comedy Central last year. The channel's first original scripted comedy impressed critics and won a second series, which begins next week.

Following the first series finale, Alice (Amy Huberman), Mitch (Stephen Wight) and Richie (Emun Elliott) must deal with the trials of being new parents, but find that there's more to it than simply leaving their partying lifestyle behind them...

Digital Spy caught up with show creator MacRae to discuss the popularity of series one, what we should expect from series two and what could potentially be a *very* bright future for Threesome...

How did you feel about the success of Threesome's first series?
"Obviously I created it and was producing it as well, and it's something that I did love. It was the first time that a show was mine, that's been created from scratch. Having it in my head for so long, when we cast it, it was amazing to see actors playing these people who were just in my head! Then the set was built, and seeing what their house was like and building that whole world from scratch was fantastic.

"The second year doing it all over again... we all know much more what we're doing now, we all know what the show is. We went through that whole process of creating it last year, and we get to come and play with it all again."

Read more at Digital Spy 

Threesome series two begins on Monday, October 1 at 9.30pm on Comedy Central.

Patrick Doyle helps celebrate the success of 'The Calendar Girls'



World renowned composer and leukaemia survivor, Patrick Doyle, will join a host of special guests at the Royal Albert Hall on 7 October to celebrate the original Calendar Girls after 13 years of phenomenal fundraising success.

The Calendar Girls will bring the curtain down on their fundraising for blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, at Seasons of Love: A Gala Celebration of The Calendar Girls. The show will bring together, for the first and only time, special guests involved in The Calendar Girls’ extraordinary story including stars from the world renowned film and stage show.

Since being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 1997 Patrick has worked on several fundraising galas for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, namely Music from the Movies in 1998 and along with writing the score for The Calendar Girls film Patrick has also worked on Brave, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Sense & Sensibility and Harry Potter, to name a few.

Patrick says: “What the Calendar Girls have achieved is truly incredible and I am thrilled to be part of such a special show to say thank you to these wonderful ladies. Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is a brilliant charity and I know how important their work is in helping to beat blood cancer.

“We have a fantastic gala lined up for the 7 October, it will be a journey of exquisite music, shared memories, tears and lots of laughter.”

Led by Ilkley born Alan Titchmarsh and supported by Tim Firth, co-writer of the Calendar Girls film and stage show, Seasons of Love will feature Previously unseen footage of the Girls and Terry Logan’s original photography will be imaginatively projected in the world’s most prestigious venue.

Other artistes confirmed for this unique show so far include Christa Ackroyd, Ricardo Afonso, Edward Baruwa, Linda Bassett, Lynda Bellingham, Beth Neilsen Chapman, Janie Dee, Brigit Forsyth, Tiffany Graves, Jan Harvey, Julia Hills, Sue Holderness, DMJ, Debbie Kurup, Suzanne Mackie, Willy Russell, Peter Skellern, Sir Richard Stilgoe, Christopher Timothy, Stephen Tompkinson, Hannah Waterman, Tabitha Webb, Cantabile - The London Quartet and the West End Chorus.

To book tickets call the Royal Albert Hall box office on 020 7589 8212 or visit the website at royalalberthall.com  

Source: London Diary

Henry Ian Cusick: new projects


Another Lost star coming to Hawaii Five-O? Daniel Dae Kim tells all!

Hawaii Five-O returns to CBS tonight after a doozy (yes, we said doozy!) of a cliffhanger last May: McGarrett's mom (Christine Lahti) is alive, and Chin (Daniel Dae Kim) had to choose which one of the ladies in his life to rescue from impending death. Dun. Dun. Dun.

But what this H50and Lost fan really wants to know? Is there another Lostie heading to Hawaii Five-O? And hey, is there any hope that our dream casting for Josh Holloway could come true?

Daniel Dae Kim, one of our favorite people who breathes air (seriously!), took time during a break from shooting in Hawaii to get to the nitty-gritty. Here are five things you Hawaii Five-O fans and former Lost fans need to know:

1. Henry Ian Cusick could be heading to Hawaii Five-O! 
Spoiler Alert to Scandal fans: In case you hadn't heard, Henry Ian Cusick (Lost's Desmond) is done shooting Scandal, and Daniel reveals: "Ian and I saw each other the other day. He is back in Hawaii, and we were talking about the possibility of maybe making a phone call to see if he would be interested in joining us for an episode or more. And you know, he seemed pretty open to it, and I would love to see him on the show!" 
Other Losties DDK would love to see on H50? "Harold Perrineau, but he's pretty busy with Sons of Anarchy. And I'd love to see Josh Holloway. Who wouldn't love to see Josh Holloway on any show!?" Speaking of...

Read more at E-Online


The Mentalist adds Ian Henry Cusick
Henry Ian Cusick is joining The Mentalist's fifth season, Deadline reports.

The actor will appear in a three-episode arc as Tommy Volker, a millionaire suspected of murdering a television reporter. As we previously reported, Volker is described as an adventurous playboy who buys spacecraft and travels to exotic locales to distract people from learning the real source of his income.

DVD Sneak Peek: The brotherhood of The Mentalist team

Cusick has yet to find his "constant" since Lost ended in 2010, jumping from series to series ever since. Last year he appeared as a series regular on Scandal's first season. Cusick has also made guest appearances on Law & Order: SVU and Fringe
Source: Yahoo.


Also reported by TV Equals

Tony Curran: "Defiance" updates, charity support


Defiance - video featurette: Making Of: sets NEW SYFY SERIES PREMIÈRES APRIL 2013
" I have films worked, which were not as ambitious as they are here."
Tony Curran
Welcome to the city of defiance. "St. Louis is what it once was no longer."

In
Defiance™, the future is a dangerous place. Starship wreckage is raining to Earth in massive "Arkfall" events that transform the landscape. Experience one first-hand as countless other players -- and a star from the Syfy series -- battle to survive and profit. Watch Ark Hunters wield the weapons of tomorrow against alien-hybrid horrors in a dynamic, scaling encounter, then travel seamlessly through a unified world into the weekly TV series. This -- Defiance -- is the future of transmedia entertainment.

The first of its kind,
Defiance is the quintessential media property created with Igniters in mind— sparking their imaginations while encouraging them to truly open their minds to what is possible.

Set on Earth thirty years in the future,
Defiance is a story of courage and survival on a new frontier where humans and aliens must band together to defend their very existence. United they stand. Divided they fall. It’s do or die in the small town of Defiance.

Defiance
airs on Syfy on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 9/8C with a two-hour première episode.

 

Defiance website.

Defiance cast includes Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Graham Greene, Jaime Murray, Tony Curran and Stephanie Leonidas.

Source: Antipodal Arapaima


The Making of Defiance Part II: Sets & Environments
More videos on YouTube here (Defiance Universe) and here




Tony Curran at annual charity event Rally for Kids with Cancer
Tony Curran recently took part in the Rally for Kids with Cancer in Toronto, Canada.
The Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup presented by Rosseau Asset Management, is one of the most exciting and effective charitable fundraising initiatives providing critical funds for research, treatment and care for kids suffering from cancer.  
Read more at Rally for Kids
Also reported by Contact Music, here and here







Alan Cumming: honour at film festival


Napa festival to fete Cumming
The Napa Valley Film Festival will honor thesps Alan Cumming, Adam Driver, James Marsden and Imogen Poots at a gala tribute evening. The fest, which takes place across four cities in California's Napa Valley wine region, also announced the complete program for the Nov. 7-11 event.

In addition to previously announced pics such as the world première of wine-themed docu "Somm," "Silver Linings Playbook," "Quartet" and "The Sapphires," narrative selections include "Between Us," directed by Dan Mirvish and starring Julia Stiles and Tay Diggs, mushroom-themed romance "Now Forager" and docus "The Cardboard Bernini," "Rising From Ashes" and Freida Mock's "G-Dog."

Tributes will be presented by "Access Hollywood's" Billy Bush at a Nov. 9 gala. Cumming stars in narrative feature selection Any Day Now, while Poots stars in fest screener "A Late Quartet." 

Source: Variety

Also reported by Start Insider

Brian Cox: filiming "Bob Servant Independent"

 
The cameras were rolling in Milngavie earlier this week when stars of screen and stage descended on the town to shoot scenes for a new BBC comedy.
Bob Servant Independent will be shown on BBC4 at the beginning of next year and actors Brian Cox, Jonathan Watson and Siobhan Redmond were in town on Monday to film scenes for the show.

It was the second visit to Milngavie this year for the illustrious cast. Scenes for the first three episodes were shot in the town back in March. Now a further three episodes have been commissioned.

Bob Servant Independent, which stars Brian Cox in the title role, is about a pompous Dundonian businessman who is trying to become an MP for Broughty Ferry.

The character, created by Neil Forsyth, first appeared in the 2007 book ‘Delete This At Your Peril’. Most of the filming is done in Broughty Ferry, but on Monday the crew used Ashfield Medical Practice for a scene in a doctor’s surgery and Milngavie Primary School as a polling station for a local election. 

The show’s producer, Owen Bell, said: “Milngavie is a good double for us as it looks similar to Broughty Ferry. Filming is going well so far and it’s been fun.
“The last time we were in Milngavie everyone was very friendly so we thought we’d come back.”

Earlier this year the crew turned the former social work office in Stewart Street into an election headquarters to shoot scenes for the show. Popular precinct restaurant Cafe Alba also had a minor starring roll in the show - as producers asked them for a burger they could use as a prop.

Brian Cox (65) has starred in a number of Hollywood blockbusters, including Troy and The Bourne Identity.

Source: Milngavie & Bearsden Herald


Photograph Jamie Forbes, published on Friday 28 September 2012 

James Cosmo: convention appearances


Entertainment Media Show: latest guest announcement - JAMES COSMO
We are pleased to announce that JAMES COSMO is now able to join us at EMS next weekend.

James will be appearing on Sunday. Photo shoot tickets are now available on the online shop.

Jeor Mormont - Game of Thrones
Father Kellan Ashby - Sons of Anarchy
Finn Rourke - Castle
Hengist - Merlin
Galder Weatherwax - The Colour of Magic
Mr. Renton - Trainspotting
Campbell - Braveheart
Angus McLeod - Highlander

Read more at Showmasters

   

LOG Report from Wales Comic Con
Local sci-fi fans turn out in force for Wrexham’s celebrity-packed event, reports Kyle Percival

CON REPORT: Wales Comic Con, 23 September 2012, Glyndwr University, Wrexham

They’re coming outta of the goddamn walls! Science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts flooded the campus of Wrexham’s Glyndwr University to get some face time with their favourite stars in this year’s Wales Comic Con.

Famous faces from television and film were in attendance along with voice actors, authors and comic  artists. Among their number were Jeremy Bullock, Andy Secombe and Warwick Davies of Star Wars fame, Julian Glover, Jerome Flynn, James Cosmo (below right, with Kyle), James Addy, Gemma Whelan, Finn Jones and Gethin Anthony flying the flag for Game Of Thrones and Anthony Head, Craig Parker and Thomas Ian Nicholas adding some sheer awesome to the proceedings. All of the guest stars were approachable, friendly and happy to sign autographs or pose for the odd picture.


The hall was packed to the rafters with visitors, many of them styled in the image of their favourite characters, and stalls selling collectibles old and new, including artwork, prints, autographs, models and clothing.
Read more at SFX

Robert Carlyle: 'California Solo' poster, and Kids Glasgow auction

Exclusive: poster for 'California Solo' starring Robert Carlyle 
For more than two decades, Robert Carlyle has been a familiar face in projects on both sides of the ocean, becoming one of the most reliable players on TV and in the movies. Of course, he's likely best known for playing the deliciously deranged Begbie in Trainspotting, but roles in 28 Weeks Later, The Full Monty, Angela's Ashes and more have solidified him as a true talent. And while it's not often that we seem him in a lead role, when the opportunity arises it's likely one worth checking out, and you'll get a chance soon with California Solo

Premièring at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, the film from writer/director Marshall Lewy (Blue State) finds Carlyle playing a former Britpop rocker living in the United States, who finds himself facing deportation. 
Here's the full synopsis for the picture: "LACHLAN MacALDONICH (Robert Carlyle) is former Britpop rocker who has settled into a comfortably numb existence in farm country just outside Los Angeles. By day, he works on an organic farm and travels regularly to the city’s farmers’ markets to sell produce. By night, he retreats to his crummy apartment to record "Flame-Outs," his podcast that recounts the tragic deaths of great musicians. The only spark in his humdrum existence is BEAU (Alexia Rasmussen), a lovely struggling actress and amateur chef who frequents the Silver Lake farmers’ market. One night, Lachlan gets pulled over for a DUI, a charge that dredges up his past drug offense and threatens him with deportation. Lachlan’s only hope of staying in the U.S. is proving that his removal would cause “extreme hardship” to a U.S. citizen spouse or relative. Lachlan contacts his estranged ex-wife and daughter, raising past demons that he must finally confront. CALIFORNIA SOLO is a touching, human story about post-fame life and personal redemption."

California Solo will hit New York and Los Angeles on November 30th courtesy of Strand Releasing, with more cities and dates to follow.
Source: Indiewire




Once Upon a Time fans bid to help with Kids Glasgow 
Calling all Once Upon a Time fans! You have a unique opportunity this week to acquire some one-of-a-kind Once memorabilia and help out a cause supported by Once Upon a Time star Robert Carlyle. The British Once Upon a Time fansite, Once Upon a Fan has teamed with With Kids Glasgow to auction some fantastic items this week, including fan art, rare DVDs, a signed script and more.

In fact, Mr. Carlyle has donated a very special Once keepsake to the auction—Rumplestiltskin’s treasured chipped cup, used in last season’s “Skin Deep.” The cup is autographed by both Carlyle and Emilie de Ravin, who, of course, plays Belle in the series. 

Carlyle tweeted about it yesterday, including a photograph of him holding the Rumple’s treasured memento of Belle.

Begun last year as a single page blog, the Once Upon a Fan site has grown into a huge world-wide fan community. In addition to the main fan site, the group has a Facebook page with 11,000 "Likes," as well as 11,500 followers on Twitter. Site creator Gareth Hughes proudly noted to me that, “we recently celebrated a million site visits! It’s all non-profit and the writers work extremely hard and give up their own free time so I am very grateful to them for all their input. Big shout out to them.”

I recently “spoke” with Gareth, as well as Suzy Blair, community development coordinator of With Kids Glasgow via email to talk about the auction and the U.K. based charity. Gareth told me that he’d initially learned of the organization from Oncers who had sent him links to video interviews Carlyle had done as a With Kids ambassador. Here's Part 1 of that video interview:

“I was quite inspired by his passion for the project,” Gareth told me, “and could relate to his tales about growing up in Glasgow. I was born in quite a poor area of Merseyside. I know my parents struggled to make sure we had the best of everything so I could really relate to the difficulties that disadvantaged families go through and the idea that everybody deserves a chance, or a happy ending.”
With the fan site growing in popularity, Gareth believed it was an ideal time to “really do some good. The fans have just been amazing in the way they have sent in items for the auction or donated to the appeal. It really reinforces your faith in humanity to see what people have done.”

Read more at Blog Critics
Related Posts with Thumbnails