LONDON, Friday 19th February 2009:  - Film4, the film financing division of Channel 4, today announced that it is developing Frank, a new film based on a fictionalised story about a musical genius and his band, with the writers behind offbeat comedy, The Men Who Stare At Goats.

In the strange world of the 1980s musical subculture one man stands out as the strangest of them all. Frank tells the story of a hidden musical master and the disciple who loves him so much he might just have to destroy him.

Frank – a mystery inside an enigma inside a large plastic head.

Lenny Abrahamson (Garage, Adam and Paul) is now attached to direct the movie, which is being written by broadcaster and novelist Jon Ronson (Men Who Stare At Goats, Them) and acclaimed screenwriter Peter Straughan (The Men Who Stare At Goats, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People). The film is currently at the script development stage with shooting scheduled for later in the year. The script has been attracting attention since it appeared on the 2009 Brit List of industry recommended unproduced scripts.

David Barron, who has served as a producer on the Harry Potter movies, and Stevie Lee of Runway Fridge Productions are on board as producers.

David Barron, said: “Stevie and I are very excited to be collaborating with such a brilliant creative team as Jon, Peter, Lenny and Film4.”

Katherine Butler, Senior Commissioning Executive, Film4, said: “We are passionate about this brilliantly original script and now Lenny is the perfect collaborator to take us into the wild and wonderful world of Frank.”

Film4’s current slate of British feature films either in post production or due to be released includes Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, Chris Morris’ Four Lions, Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go based on Ishiguro’s novel of the same name, Peter Mullan’s Neds, Mike Leigh’s Another Day, Richard Ayoade’s Submarine, Hideo Nakata’s Chatroom and finally Kevin Macdonald’s Roman epic, The Eagle of the Ninth.

Notes to editors: Film4, headed by Tessa Ross, is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division. The company develops and co-finances film productions and is known for working with the most innovative talent in the UK, whether new or established. Film4 is a founding partner of the Warp X digital studio. Film4’s latest release is Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones. Other 2009 releases include Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy; Paul King’s Bunny & the Bull; Ken Loach’s Looking For Eric; Danny Boyle’s, Slumdog Millionaire; Steve McQueen’s Hunger; Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges; Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky and Michael Winterbottom’s Genova. Upcoming Film4 releases include Xiaolu Guo’s She, A Chinese, winner of the Golden Leopard at Locarno Film Festival in 2009; Chris Morris’ Four Lions and Hideo Nakata’s Chatroom. Currently completing post production are Kevin Macdonald’s The Eagle of the Ninth; Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go; Peter Mullan’s Neds, and Mike Leigh’s Another Year. Richard Ayode’s Submarine and shortly going into production Joe Cornish’s Attack the Block.

Press Contact: Taylor Herring PR, 0208 206 5151

Stephen Mangan (Green Wing, Free Agents), Rhys Thomas (The Fast Show, Bellamy’s People), Helen Baxendale (Cold Feet, Friends) and Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood, Generation Kill, Zoolander) star in Shooting Pictures’ new theatrical release, Beyond the Pole, about the first ever carbon neutral, organic and vegetarian expedition to the North Pole.

Best friends Mark (Stephen Mangan) and Brian (Rhys Thomas) attempt to save the planet and get into the Guinness Book of Records by venturing to the Arctic unaided. But there’s just one problem – neither of them has had any expeditionary experience before and their idea of training is to visit a meat freezer. No one said saving the planet would be easy, but does it have to be this hard?

Luckily they are followed by Steve, their hardened arctic cameraman, for the digital channel Adventure Plus. That is until they accidentally shoot him. All alone on the ice, the lads are left to fend for themselves and tackle polar bears, try to beat off competitive Norwegians and keep Mark sane as he rapidly loosens his grip on reality.

It’s not just sub zero temperatures and a lack of food that they face, both men also receive life changing news whilst away. Mark learns his wife wants a divorce and Brian is told his partner is expecting a baby. As they struggle to come to terms with the developments back home their bond becomes strained, but together they must face their biggest challenge yet: to reach the North Pole.

David L Williams, Director, says: “Beyond the Pole was a triumph of sheer bloody mindedness over resources, funds and time. It’s wonderful to see a Brit indie up on the big screen that has such ambition, is funny and shot somewhere most of us will never visit in our lifetimes. I watch it now and I can’t believe we were there!”

Helen Baxendale, star and executive producer added “ We’re absolutely thrilled with the press response to the film. I think it’s a film we can all be incredibly proud of and as an actress I hope the actors are recognised for giving us the performances of their careers. They really are standout great and I can’t wait to see how they go down with the public”.

Beyond the Pole is a heart-warming, satirical tale of two friends on a journey of self-discovery somewhere between a humorous take on Touching the Void and Withnail and I on ice. Beautifully shot on location in Greenland and featuring breathtaking scenery, Beyond the Pole is released in cinemas from March 2010.

www.beyondthepole.com

Cast – Stephen Mangan (Green Wing; Confetti; Free Agents), Rhys Thomas (The Fast Show; Bellamy’s People), Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood; Zoolander) and Helen Baxendale (Cold Feet; Friends)

Crew - Director David L Williams, Screenplay Neil Warhurst, Co-writer David L Williams, Based on a radio series by Neil Warhurst and Paul Barnhill, Produced by David L Williams and Andrew Curtis, Co-producer Dean O’Toole, Executive Producer Helen Baxendale, Director of Photography Stuart Biddlecome, Film Editor Rob Miller, Original Music Guy Michelmore

LONDON, Thursday 21st Janaury 2009; Film4 films today received a total of six BAFTA nominations including Outstanding British Film for Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy and Leading Actress for Saoirse Ronan’s performance as Susie Salmon in Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones. Winners will be announced on February 21st.

Nowhere Boy, the critically acclaimed Film4 co-funded film about the young John Lennon, has picked up four nominations including Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Director Sam Taylor-Wood and two Supporting Actress nominations for Anne-Marie Duff, who plays John Lennon’s mother, Julia, and Kristin Scott-Thomas, who plays his aunt Mimi.

The Lovely Bones, based on Alice Sebold’s best-selling novel, which was originally optioned and initially developed by Film4 before partnering with Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films Production, DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, received two BAFTA nominations including Supporting Actor for Stanley Tucci’s role as creepy serial killer, Mr Harvey.

Film4 last night also picked up two London Evening Standard British Film Awards nominations. Anne-Marie Duff is nominated for Best Actress in Nowhere Boy and Peter Laverty is nominated for Best Screenplay for Ken Loach’s Looking For Eric. Winners will be revealed on February 8th.

Film4 has already been honoured with a number of awards this season. At the recent British Independent Film Awards, Anne-Marie Duff picked up Best Supporting Actress for Nowhere Boy, John Henshaw was awarded Best Supporting Actor for Looking For Eric, Love You More took home Best Short and Best Achievement in Production went to Bunny & The Bull. Steve McQueen’s Hunger also won Best First Film at the New York Critics Circle.

Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama said: “I’m delighted that Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones and Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy have received BAFTA nominations. Congratulations to them both and to everyone who worked on these films. These nominations are testament to the wide range of hugely creative talent that exists both in the UK and globally and Film4 is delighted to be able to play a part in the development of these films.”

The full details of BAFTA nominations are as follows:

 • Outstanding British Film – Nowhere Boy

• Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer – Sam Taylor-Wood (Nowhere Boy)

• Leading Actress – Saoirse Ronan (Susie Salmon) (The Lovely Bones)

• Supporting Actor – Stanley Tucci (Mr Harvey) (The Lovely Bones)

• Supporting Actress – Anne-Marie Duff (Julia) (Nowhere Boy)

• Supporting Actress – Kristin Scott Thomas (Mimi) (Nowhere Boy)

 For more information visit http://www.film4.com/productions

Film4’s current slate of British feature films either in production or due to be released includes Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy, Chris Morris’ Four Lions, which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go based on Ishiguro’s novel of the same name, Peter Mullan’s Neds, Mike Leigh’s next film and finally Kevin Macdonald’s Roman epic, The Eagle of the Ninth.

Film4’s reputation for nurturing new talent and building on its family of returning talent in the UK is now well established and with a bill shortly due to be passed enshrining film in Channel 4’s public service remit, that commitment is clearly stronger than ever. Directors such as Danny Boyle, Shane Meadows, Michael Winterbottom, Andrea Arnold, Kevin Macdonald, Ken Loach, Sam Taylor-Wood and Mike Leigh have all benefited from Film4’s unflinching support of their particular vision.

Press Contact: Taylor Herring 0208 206 5151

London, Wednesday 16th December 2009: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards herald the beginning of the major awards season, and in the nominations announced, The Lovely Bones has been selected for Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture for Stanley Tucci and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Endgame for Best Performance By An Actor In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television. Golden Globe winners will be announced on Sunday, January 17th, 2010.

This follows Film4’s early December success at the British Independent Film Awards, where Channel 4’s film arm picked up four awards for Nowhere Boy, Looking For Eric, Bunny & The Bull and Love You More. Steve McQueen’s Hunger also won Best First Film at the New York Critics Circle this week.

Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama said: “I’m delighted that the The Lovely Bones and Endgame have been recognised at the Golden Globes. Congratulations and best of luck to Stanley Tucci and Chiwetel Ejiofor for the awards ceremony in January.”

At the recent British Independent Film Awards, Anne-Marie Duff picked up Best Supporting Actress for Film4-funded Nowhere Boy, John Henshaw was awarded Best Supporting Actor for Looking For Eric, Love You More took home Best Short and Best Achievement in Production went to Bunny & The Bull.

Film4’s current slate of British feature films either in production or due to be released includes Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy, Chris Morris’ Four Lions, which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go based on Ishiguro’s novel of the same name, Peter Mullan’s Neds, Mike Leigh’s next film and finally Kevin Macdonald’s Roman epic, The Eagle of the Ninth.

Film4’s reputation for nurturing new talent and building on its family of returning talent in the UK is now well established and with a bill shortly due to be passed enshrining film in Channel 4’s public service remit, that commitment is clearly stronger than ever. Directors such as Danny Boyle, Shane Meadows, Michael Winterbottom, Andrea Arnold, Kevin Macdonald, Ken Loach, Sam Taylor-Wood and Mike Leigh have all benefited from Film4’s unflinching support of their particular vision.

 Taylor Herring PR: (+44) 208 206 5151

Night at the Museum 2 is released on 9th November and catches up with big-hearted dreamer Larry (Ben Stiller), now a high-flying millionaire thanks to his wacky inventions. During a visit to his old friends at the museum Larry discovers to his dismay that the exhibits are to be put into storage at the Smithsonian.

Shortly after the move he receives a panicked phone call from Jedidiah (Owen Wilson) who is fighting for his life in the Smithsonian archives against some of history’s most notorious villains. Larry makes an 11th hour dash to the museum to save his pals from infamous crooks; including Pharaoh Kahmunrah, Al Capone, Ivan the Terrible and Napolean, and prevent them from using the tablet of Ahkmenrah for their own criminal gains.

Filled with witty one-liners and edge-of-your-seat action, Night at the Museum 2 features all the original cast members including; Brit favourites Ricky Gervais and Steve Coogan and is this year’s must-have family movie.

For further information, interview requests and DVD review copies please contact Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

It’s the most unlikely office romance in history as Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds pair up in The Proposal, coming to Buena Vista Home Entertainment Blu-ray Hi Def and DVD on Monday 30th November.

The full length film is available in a two disc Blu-ray Combi Pack that includes the film in both Blu-ray and DVD format, as well as a single disc DVD edition. In this year’s hit rom-com from Director Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses), an assertive boss and her long suffering assistant find themselves in a match made in hell as they trade boardroom bickering for a less than loved up engagement – but will business become pleasure for the odd couple?

For further information please contact Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

LONDON, Thursday 29th October - Film4 has won an inaugural Star Of London Award at the London International Film Festival, where The Scouting Book For Boys’ screen screenwriter Jack Thorne picked up the Best Newcomer prize.

Film4 is also nominated for nine prestigious British Independent Film Awards (BIFAS), for Sam Taylor Wood’s Nowhere Boy, which receives its World Premiere at the London International Film Festival tonight, Paul King’s Bunny And The Bull, which is released in November and Ken Loach’s Looking For Eric. The BIFAS will be held in London on Sunday 6 December.

Nowhere Boy about the life and times of the young John Lennon has been nominated for six awards. Besides nods for Best Actor (Aaron Johnson), Best Supporting Actress (Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff) and Best Screenplay (Matt Greenheigh), filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood has been nominated for the Douglas Hickox Award for best debut director, and the picture is in the running for the Best British Independent Film Award.

Bunny And The Bull Paul ‘Mighty Boosh’ King’s absurd comedy has scored two nominations – Best Production Design and Best Achievement In Production.

Looking For Eric Ken Loach’s cracking comedy-drama has also been recognised. John Henshaw is up for Best Supporting Actor.

About Film4
Film4, headed by Tessa Ross, is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division. The company develops and co-finances film productions and is known for working with the most innovative talent in the UK, whether new or established. Film4 is a founding partner of the Warp X digital studio.

Film4’s latest release was Ken Loach’s Cannes competition film, Looking for Eric. Other 2009 releases include Danny Boyle’s, Slumdog Millionaire; Steve McQueen’s Hunger; Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges; Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky and Michael Winterbottom’s Genova.

Upcoming Film4 releases include Paul King’s Bunny and the Bull; Xiaolu Guo’s She, A Chinese, winner of the Golden Leopard at Locarno Film Festival earlier this year; Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones; Chris Morris’ Four Lions and Sam Taylor Wood’s Nowhere Boy.

Currently completing post production are Kevin Macdonald’s Eagle of the Ninth; Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go; Peter Mullan’s Neds, Hideo Nakata’s Chat Room and Mike Leigh’s 09 Project.

Press contact:
Debra Johnson
020 8206 5151
debra.johnson@taylorherring.com

LONDON, Monday 26th October 2009: Sam Lavender, Development Executive at Film4 has been promoted to the position of Head of Development, replacing Katherine Butler who was recently appointed Senior Commissioning Executive at Film4.

Lavender will work closely with Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama and Butler to ensure the current slate of film projects moves forward into production. He will also work with directors, writers and producers across the British film industry to help create distinctive and original new feature projects for the Film4 slate.

In his development executive role, Lavender has worked across the Film4 production and development slate since June 2006. Film4’s recent releases include Slumdog Millionaire, Happy Go Lucky, Looking For Eric, How To Lose Friends and Alienate People and upcoming releases include Never Let Me Go, The Lovely Bones, Bunny and the Bull, and Eagle of the Ninth. Prior to joining Film4, Lavender was Head of Development for London-based Film & Music Entertainment.

Commenting on the appointment, Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, said: “I congratulate Sam on this promotion. He’s been a wonderful development executive and I have no doubt he’ll bring fantastic energy and vigour to building our slate in his new job.”

About Film4
Film4, headed by Tessa Ross, is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division. The company develops and co-finances film productions and is known for working with the most innovative talent in the UK, whether new or established. Film4 is a founding partner of the Warp X digital studio. Film4’s latest release was Ken Loach’s Cannes competition film, Looking for Eric. Other 2009 releases include Danny Boyle’s, Slumdog Millionaire; Steve McQueen’s Hunger; Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges; Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky and Michael Winterbottom’s Genova. Upcoming Film4 releases include Paul King’s Bunny and the Bull; Xiaolu Guo’s She, A Chinese, winner of the Golden Leopard at Locarno Film Festival earlier this year; Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones; Chris Morris’ Four Lions and Sam Taylor Wood’s Nowhere Boy. Currently completing post production are Kevin Macdonald’s Eagle of the Ninth; Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go; Peter Mullan’s Neds, Hideo Nakata’s Chat Room and Mike Leigh’s 09 Project.

Press contact:
Debra Johnson Taylor Herring PR
020 8206 5151

World Cup Qualifier Is Britain’s Biggest Ever Pay-to-View Internet Sports Broadcast

LONDON, Monday 12th October: Close to half a million football fans watched and earned their place in the history books, as last night’s FIFA World Cup qualifier became Britain’s biggest internet pay-to-view sports broadcast.

There were no technical issues and all customer enquiries were responded to within five minutes. A post match survey found that an average of 87% felt the picture quality was satisfactory or better and 93% were satisfied with the customer support. In a positive sign for future events, 87% said the match offered value for money and 89% would purchase another live sports event online.

In addition to the live stream, international football agency Kentaro struck an 11th hour highlights deal with the BBC, who screened the best moments of the match to viewers after the live internet game had been broadcast.

Odeon cinemas across the country also screened the game via satellite and many were completely sold out. Despite the match not being made available for public or commercial viewing purposes, it is believed pubs up and down the country streamed the match successfully via projectors and by linking computers to TV screens.

Earlier in the week, a special arrangement was made by Kentaro to screen the game to British Armed forces overseas for free. As many troops do not have internet access the game was broadcast into military bases via BFBS Television.

Philipp Grothe, CEO of Kentaro said; “This pioneering broadcast has been a great success. Not only have we delivered Britain’s largest ever live pay-to-view internet sports audience but commercially the venture has proved itself as a viable model for future games. Technology has ignited a revolution in people’s viewing habits and there is a new sports broadcast platform developing on the broadband enabled internet.”

Andrew Croker, Executive Chairman of Perform said: “This was an extremely successful and groundbreaking project. An innovative marketing approach particularly with national newspapers, betting and ISP affiliates meant that we were able to get this out to a broad audience and make it a huge success. Additionally, from a customer service, production and distribution point of view, we felt it went very smoothly.”

Peter Silverstone, Managing Director of Kentaro UK said; “We are indebted to our partner Perform, who have pulled off a technical coup in a few short weeks. Our newspaper, ISP and betting partners have been instrumental in making this venture the success that is. We have been encouraged by the level of debate this has stimulated amongst the sports industry.”

Fans watched the landmark match by registering at www.ukraineVengland.com. Subscriptions were available at an early-bird price of £4.99 rising to a maximum rate of £11.99 for purchases made on the day.

James Richardson presented the live coverage, alongside ex England manager and Notts County Director of Football Sven Goran Eriksson. Commentary came from David Pleat and Tony Jones.

A number of leading national newspapers and internet service providers also made the match available on their own websites. Partners included; The Sun, The Times, News of the World, The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Express, The Daily Star, The Independent, Virgin Media and Orange. All websites offered a promotion where the user could watch the match for free if they opened an account with bet365.com, a leading online bookmaker.

The international football agency Kentaro, acquired the broadcast rights from the Ukrainian FA and had sold the game to Setanta in December 2007. However the pay-TV broadcaster went into administration over the summer leaving this key match without a UK broadcaster. With no offers on the table from UK free to air or pay-TV broadcasters Kentaro decided to seek the widest possible online audience, appointing digital sport specialist Perform, to market and stream the match online, on a pay-per-view basis.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to its commercial sensitivity and value no further information or data will be released.

ENDS