Scripted by SKINS writer Jack Thorne, working closely with SKINS creator Bryan Elsley, the film is scheduled to go into production later this year, and follows four hugely successful seasons on E4. The latest of these has just finished its run, with the highest ratings of any series so far.

Director of Company, Charlie Pattinson, believes that bringing a film version to the big screen is the obvious next step for SKINS – “given the huge amount of support from the ever expanding fan base of the series, we feel that we can go much further and produce yet another unique SKINS experience”, remarked Pattinson.

A number of familiar characters from the four series are expected to feature in the film, which will be directed by long time SKINS director Charles Martin and produced by long time SKINS producer Chris Clough. Shooting in Bristol and the Isle of Man later this year, the film is scheduled for a summer 2011 release.

Company Pictures have a long history of working with both Film4 and CinemaNX individually but this project will be the first collaboration between all three parties.

“The sheer depth in quality that SKINS has delivered over the years makes it perfect for the big screen and we are delighted to be back in business with Company,” said chairman of CinemaNX, Steve Christian.

Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, said: “It is very exciting to be migrating across from E4 to Film4, this extraordinarily talented team from SKINS, who have successfully grown such a wonderfully loyal audience over the course of the last four series.

About CinemaNX: CinemaNX is one of Britain’s leading film finance, production and distribution companies. Formed three years ago with backing from the Isle of Man Government, CinemaNX has an exciting slate of films in production and distribution and continues to expand operations by way of strategic partnerships and investment in media assets. NX released Bafta-nominated Me and Orson Welles at the end of 2009 and currently has the critically acclaimed The Disappearance of Alice Creed in cinemas. The next two releases are Oscar-winner Fernando Trueba’s Chico & Rita and Albatross starring Sebastian Koch, Julia Ormond and Felicity Jones. Previous NX productions Heartless starring Jim Sturgess and Wild Target with Emily Blunt and Bill Nighy are also being released in the UK by Lionsgate and Entertainment respectively.

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 releases include Chris Morris’s Four Lions, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy, Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, Xiaolu Guo’s She, A Chinese and Tom Harper’s Scouting Book For Boys. Upcoming launches include Mike Leigh’s Another Year, Peter Mullan’s Neds and Hideo Nakata’s Chatroom. Currently completing post-production are Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go; Kevin Macdonald’s Eagle Of The Ninth and Richard Ayoade’s Submarine. Currently in production is Joe Cornish’s Attack the Block. For more information visit: www.film4.com/productions.

About Company: Company Pictures is one of the UK’s largest independent television drama and film production companies. Established in 1998 television production highlights include Generation Kill, Skins created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain, Bafta-winning Shameless, Wild at Heart created by Ashley Pharoah, starring Stephen Tompkinson, Bafta-nominated The Devil’s Whore and The Take starring Brian Cox and Tom Hardy. Company Pictures has made six feature films and is currently producing further series of Wild At Heart, Shameless and Skins. New shows in production include The Silence; a four part serial for BBC1, The Runaway; a second Martina Cole adaptation for SkyOne, a fourth series of Inspector George Gently for BBC1, Women In Love; an adaptation of the D.H.Lawrence novel, The Shadow Line; a six part drama for BBC2 and Skins in America; a co-production with E1 for MTV based on the UK series. Amongst its numerous awards Company Pictures has won Best Independent Production Company at the Broadcast awards in 2004 and 2008, European Producers of the Year Award at the 2004 Monte Carlo Awards, four Golden Globes, twelve Emmy Awards and numerous BAFTA’s for Best Series including Shameless and the Philips audience award for Skins. Since October 2004 Company Pictures has been a part of the All3 Media group.

Taylor Herring PR +44208 206 5151

The special season will take children on a journey through Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and more and will feature critically-acclaimed films from the world beyond Hollywood.

Actor Ewan McGregor comments; “FILMCLUB is incredible, it’s brilliant how teachers are using movies to engage kids with the world… Teachers can use films to really open children’s minds to the limitless possibilities that life has to offer.”

Films in the ‘Behind The Headlines’ special season will include everything from Pop Idol in Afghanistan (Afghan Star) to an animated coming-of-age story about a young Iranian girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution (Persepolis). The films have been put together with the aim of opening children’s eyes to cultures, ideas, people and places that they may not normally encounter.

Lord Puttnam, leading film producer comments “Film, more than any other medium, reflects back to us our dreams and our aspirations. It enables children to see the world through the eyes of others, and to seek out a level of tolerance and respect for others.”

The ‘Film Journeys: Behind The Headlines’ season films are as follows:

Afghan Star (Pop Idol comes to Afghanistan, 2009, E (exempt))
Iraq In Fragments (A series of intimate portraits, Iraq, 2006, PG)
Hotel Rwanda (True story of man who saves1000’s of refugees in Rwanda, 2004, 12)
Lemon Tree (Drama straddling the Palestinian-Israeli chasm, 2008)
Burma VJ (Documents the monks uprising in 2007, 2009,12)
Persepolis (Coming-of-age story of a young Iranian girl, Iran, 2007, 12)

A Filmclub survey found that 40% of secondary school kids believed that they would find it difficult to be friends with someone from Afghanistan while half (50%) of secondary school pupils felt that they were not being told enough about countries we are in conflict with. The Behind the Headlines season hopes to promote a deeper understanding of these countries – the people and their cultures via the medium of film.

The ‘Film Journeys: Behind The Headlines’ season is part of a wider initiative to take 100,000 primary and secondary school FILMCLUB members on a journey to explore the world through films from all over globe as well as British-made movies.

A massive 96% of those teachers asked about the FILMCLUB scheme believe that exposing children to different world cultures and languages has a positive effect, and 88% have indicated that FILMCLUB itself broadens children’s cultural understanding.

Founded by film director Beeban Kidron (Bridget Jones’ Diary: The Edge Of Reason) and educationalist and journalist Lindsay Mackie, FILMCLUB has access to a diverse catalogue of movies in 21 different languages and actively encourages members to watch a wide variety of films – from Hollywood and British blockbusters to foreign language films, black and white classics to thought-provoking documentaries. Insight from FILMCLUB’s movie experts enable teachers to expose their pupils to interesting and rewarding films.

FILMCLUB is a network of after-school clubs (4,132 as of 17th May 2010) that offers children free weekly access to thousands of classic and popular films, as well as film industry news, screenings and talent. The club is free and easy to set up and is fast becoming the most popular after-school activity in the country, opening the door onto a dazzling world of cultures, life stories, aspirations, times and places. Supported by top film talent and education professionals, FILMCLUB provides an inclusive, nurturing environment in which children find a voice, discuss, debate and explore.

For more information please contact Taylor Herring on 020 8206 5151

Another Year tells the story of a happily-married middle-aged couple who endure other people’s problems and stars Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, Peter Wight, Oliver Maltman and David Bradley.

Chatroom is a contemporary tale of disenchanted youths who meet online and features Aaron Johnson, Imogen Poots, Matthew Beard, Hannah Murray, Daniel Kaluuya.

Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, said: “In a year when we are celebrating that film is now protected under Channel 4’s public service remit, we are delighted that Another Year and Chatroom have been selected to compete at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. We congratulate everyone who has worked on these projects.”

Film4 will be attending the Cannes Film Festival with a diverse slate of feature films from both established and new directors. Film4 continues to encourage and support creativity in the UK and this year will see British comedy talent including Chris Morris, Richard Ayoade and Joe Cornish make their directing debuts.

Film4 is happy to be working once again with Danny Boyle on his new film, 127 Hours, which is currently shooting in Utah and is excited to be involved in Pawel Pawlikowski’s The Woman In The Fifth, Miranda July’s The Future, Kevin Macdonald’s The Eagle Of The Ninth and Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go.

The fitness brand, which already has 81 gyms around the UK, recently signed a four year deal with Alesha in November 2009, whom Taylor Herring will be utilising as part of its brand awareness raising activity.

LA Fitness are developing a series of new dance and exercise routines for the gym as part of its £30 million revamp which will see all of its clubs refurbished, in an effort to expand upon its existing 230,000 members.

Taylor Herring have been briefed to oversee creative campaigns promoting LA Fitness’ values as a champion for health and fitness, reinforcing its commitment to create a healthy work/life balance. The agency will work alongside LA Fitness to look at innovative ways to enhance the LA Fitness Experience, and take a fresh approach towards helping their existing membership pool achieve their fitness goals throughout the year. The PR drive will also be tailored towards recruiting new members over the next six months.

In addition, the agency will oversee all talent management around Alesha, who will be supporting various upcoming LA Fitness products and services, whilst also enhancing her business brand – Alesha joins the company as Creative Director.

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

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

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

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

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