Wednesday, 17 November 2010

British film director finds engaging new way of bringing indie film to online audiences






Independent filmmaker Matt Daniels has announced innovative plans to stream his latest film live on one of the world’s most popular social media channels.

Following the hugely successful launch of ‘Finding Their Feet’ at the end of October, Matt is now planning to show the film for 24 hours on the film’s Facebook page as a treat for fans when the page reaches 10,000 ‘likes’.

This event will mark the second time Matt has used the internet to overcome the issues faced by filmmakers in the current economic environment – he helped to fund his first film, the spine-chilling indie thriller ‘Powerless’, by taking the unusual measure of selling credits in the film on eBay.

“Myself and the film’s producer, Gideon Wilkins, came up with the idea of paying a fee to get your name in the credits: £30 for an Associate Producer, £20 for an Affiliate Producer and £10 for a ‘With Thanks To’,” says Matt.

“The credits paid for most of the post-production and everyone got to see their name in lights.

“We generated so much interest in the film through doing this that the internet and social media sites have become a crucial part of how we engage with our audiences.”

Matt says he feels it’s important for independent filmmakers to continue to explore new ways of bringing new British film to online audiences.

He believes this is the first time a UK film has ever been shown on Facebook in this way, and hopes the page will also help to raise the profile of independent film across social media channels.

“Facebook is such a great place to interact with our fans from all over the world,” says Matt.

“They’ve been instrumental in helping us to spread the word, so getting to the stage where we have enough fans to show the film on Facebook is a great way to thank them.”

Finding Their Feet is Matt’s second independent film and follows the heart-warming story of reclusive dancer Kate who, tortured by her mother's death and an horrific accident that left her a mute, faces her darkest fears to compete in a national dance competition.

Kate, played by actress Hannah Polland, is supported along the way by the hapless but big-hearted Danny and her proud yet protective elder brother John (also Hannah’s real-life brother), who share one common goal - to see Kate happy again.

Finding Their Feet has already won critical acclaim at festivals across the world, including the Fallbrook Film Festival in California, the Trail Dance Film Festival in Oklahoma, the Temecula Valley International Film Festival in California and the Feel Good Film Festival in Hollywood, where Matt and producer Seth Wilkins rubbed shoulders with the likes of Lucas Grabeel of High School Musical and stars from the cast of Hannah Montana.

Matt has also gained recognition at a host of British film festivals including The Norwich Film Festival, where Finding Their Feet was nominated for the Best Film award.

For more information, visit www.findingtheirfeet.com as well as their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/findingtheirfeet

The Buzz: 17/11/10


A remake of The Swarm?

Robert Zemeckis for a new Wizard of Oz?

New Batman TV Series?

Steven Soderbergh to direct the man from UNCLE?

Saturday, 13 November 2010

Thursday, 11 November 2010

27 Dresses


Cheesy or just plain queasy?

Lovers:Taken from IMDB
"This movie was terrific. Yes, it was the typical chick flick, yet I found the script just completely entrancing. The script did set this movie apart from the others. It was witty and funny. The acting was extremely well done. Katherine Heigl is so amazing. I couldn't imagine anyone better for the role of Jane. But my favorite person was James Marsden. I absolutely fell in love him. He was so clever and his smile was to die for. I did actually fear seeing this movie, thinking that it would be completely different from all the great reviews and that it would entirely ruin my night. On the contrary, it made my night all the better. I haven't seen a movie like this in awhile. I would certainly suggest seeing it ASAP."

Well, i don't really have much to say about this review, although i have to say i don't see how James Marsdens smile being something to die for has anything to do with the movie itself?

Hater: Taken from IMDB
"Like many girls, I enjoy the occasional romantic chick-flick now and again, and I was actually looking forward to watching this one. Not because I thought it would be a life-changing masterpiece, but because I thought I would have fun for the next two hours or so, and could turn my TV off with a smile on my face. Instead, what I got was goosebumps, a funny feeling in my stomach, and almost a teensy-weensy tear in my eye, for this film is one of the worst films I have seen in many years. Everything about it, from the script, the dialogs, the characters, the acting... I can best describe this film with the words "pretentious, over the top, silly (and NOT in a good way), boring, downright stupid..." *sigh*... I only watched this incredibly awful movie to the end, to... well... I don't really know... it was not because I wanted to make sure the ending would be EXACTLY like I knew it was going to be, because there was no doubt about that... it was more like watching a train wreck... you want to look away, but yet somehow, you just ... can't... stop... looking... If Katherine Heigl wants to make it big in Hollywood she most definitely has to choose her next role a little better. Reading the script before she says yes might be a good place to start."

Well that's pretty harsh, i didn't think it was that bad?

What i thought:
It is almost true of every romantic comedy I see and I’ll say the same thing every time I watch one; they are shamefully predictable and samey. Then again you have to view them from other people’s viewpoint, of course the majority of the “other people” is of course women. It’s no secret that these films are aimed squarely at their purses but they don’t care, for half an hour they are transported to a world where the man round the next corner looks like Colin Firth, we are all arseholes but turn out to be proper gentleman and of course love. I’m not cynical I mean I’m in love but the way these films portray love is not real, that’s the secret though, most women won’t admit it but they long to swept off their feet like in these films. The sad truth is the best they’ll get is being swept off their feet by the man off his head.

Of course I’m being a bit unfair, we’re not all like that, I know I’m not and also I’m going a bit off the point. 27 dresses is a Romantic comedy that takes the saying “always a bridesmaid never a bride” and runs with it. Katherine Heigl is our heroine and what a loveable heroine she is, I thought she was brilliant in Knocked Up and the same can be said for this film, most of the time. When you’re not busy wincing over how cheesy this film is at times it’s incredibly easy to feel sorry for her, she has such an emotive face. That’s basically it, I would write more but the rest of the film is so factory shop rom-com that I fail to see the point.

Available on Blu-Ray and DVD
Cert: 12
Running Time: 111 mins

The Buzz: 11/11/10


Channing Tatum to get the lead role in "21 Jump Street"? (The series that made Johnny Depp)

Fox buys BBC's "Walking with Dinosaurs"

Cameron Crowe to direct "We Bought a Zoo"

Who is the Electric Boy Genius?

Wednesday, 10 November 2010

Jackass 3D


What 3D was made for!?

Loves: Taken from IMDB
“First of all, if you are not a Jackass fan, then this film is not for you. It is full of crude and disgusting stunts, profanity, and shots of male genitalia. If that's not for you, then you won't like it. I, for one, happen to be a Jackass fan. Over the years of watching these guys beat themselves up for money, it almost feels like they became my friends. So, Jackass 3D was like a reunion. Hanging out with old friends in 3D. (The 3D definitely sold the film.) It starts off with a bang and doesn't let up until the very end. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time, and I didn't want it to end. A worthy installment in the Jackass series, and the most fun at a film this year. Sheer stupid fun. So, if you like watching nut-shots and "poo cocktail supreme's," then definitely check out Jackass 3D in theaters. See it with friends. And see it in 3D.”

Of course fans of Jackass will love it, I agree though it was really funny!

Haters: Taken from IMDB
“I cannot believe someone would put money into this project! No script...apparently no writers...just a bunch of guys roaming around with "Watch This" as their motto. Really a low level film in the industry. Hopefully this will be the last Jackass series..Of course it is an MTV production and when I think of quality movies...I think of MTV! These so- called actors need therapy on so many levels. It was in 3D but that was apparently a move to just charge more per ticket...there really wasn't much 3D effect to this movie...you could see it just about as good without the glasses. The five people that purchased tickets for the show I watched...did not like it!”

Well, it’s Jackass! Why the hell were you expecting a script!?

What I thought:
The series was on at just the right time; I was immature and really loved these guys completely and utterly sacrificing their bodies and their dignity, all in the name of your entertainment. The first film worked ok at carrying on the formula and was very funny, the second however just seemed really dry, and for once Johnny Knoxville’s Laugh sounded almost faked!

Well it would appear that the Jackass boys were just waiting for something, that something of course would be 3D. The extra dimension adds so much to the stunts that were starting to feel a bit dry and repetitive. Also it did really feel like a reunion, the guys getting together for one more film of insane stunts and bodily fluids. The Bodily fluid will force some people away and I have to say the poo volcano was probably the first time Jackass has ever made me heave. It shouldn’t put you off though, these guys are making idiots of themselves but it’s all just so you can enjoy yourself, for this they should be admired.

Also I still can’t believe how much someone’s face moves when it gets hit, brilliant and you wonder why they never used slow motion like this before? Did they? Have I forgotten?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Press Release


As if the impending release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 wasn’t exciting enough, I’m thrilled to announce that we now have available two incredible clips from the film, and also a fascinating featurette on the making of the soundtrack!

Click here and check them out

The Buzz: 10/11/10


Wrath of the Titans pulls more lambs to the slaughter

The Walking Dead gets second series

Harrison Ford up for Indy 5!? please no, flogging and dead horse come to mind

Roland Emmerich's 'Zone' gets shut down

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Monsters Infect the UK....


Vertigo Films have teamed up with Vue Entertainment and Cineworld and are pleased to announce the launch of an initiative that will see Gareth Edwards’ critically acclaimed debut feature film MONSTERS infect Foursquare locations throughout the UK!

Vue and Cineworld locations across the country now have ‘Infected zones’ which have been created inside selected cinemas (and a few secret locations!) which will give users access to exclusive Monsters content and the chance to win random on-the-spot prizes in the run up to the film’s release on December 3rd.

In addition to this there will also be a very special Foursquare initiative on the day of release – more details to come!

Get following on Foursquare now to get live updates from our very special STRA Agents and watch our very special promotion unravel!

FourSquare

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"Films are Loved, Films are hated. I'm here to help you decide where you stand..." I also do web work including a good knowledge of HTML, ASP, using the adobe web package and a strong understanding of SEO, Google Analytics.