Exclusive: Susan Sarandon (Maybe I Do), William H. Macy (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Marcia Cross (You) have signed on to star in Exit Right, a new indie that veteran documentary filmmaker Thomas A. Morgan will direct from his own script for the London-based Garrick Street Productions and Square Zero Films.
Marking Morgan’s narrative debut, the film centers on Jan Randall (Sarandon), whose brain — affected with inoperable cancer — makes her deeply afraid of being trapped inside. Refusing to take medications that would reduce her final days to a hospital bed, she moves into a tent in her backyard. Determined to give her one last gift, her husband John courageously takes her on a trip around the world — on foot, in their own hometown, for what is truly the trip of a lifetime.
Sarandon’s Jan Randall is adventurous, confident and strong-willed. She retired after a successful career as a journalist,...
Marking Morgan’s narrative debut, the film centers on Jan Randall (Sarandon), whose brain — affected with inoperable cancer — makes her deeply afraid of being trapped inside. Refusing to take medications that would reduce her final days to a hospital bed, she moves into a tent in her backyard. Determined to give her one last gift, her husband John courageously takes her on a trip around the world — on foot, in their own hometown, for what is truly the trip of a lifetime.
Sarandon’s Jan Randall is adventurous, confident and strong-willed. She retired after a successful career as a journalist,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: iGeneration Studios, producers of Netflix’s My Life with the Walter Boys, based on Ali Novak’s popular YA book, is reteaming with the author to develop a new drama series based on Novak’s Heartbreakers books. Titled The Heartbreakers Chronicles, iGen will be shopping the project.
My Life with the Walter Boys was just renewed by Netflix for a second season, after only ten days on the streamer. In its first full week on Netflix, the first season tallied more than 12M views, putting it at the top of the English-language TV charts. Following its December 7 premiere, the series shot to No. 2 on Netflix’s Top 10 list with 7.5M views in just a few days of availability.
The Heartbreakers Chronicles follows the exploits of the world’s #1 “boy band,” told from the perspective of the love interests of each of the band’s members.
Ed Glauser, iGeneration Studios founder and CEO,...
My Life with the Walter Boys was just renewed by Netflix for a second season, after only ten days on the streamer. In its first full week on Netflix, the first season tallied more than 12M views, putting it at the top of the English-language TV charts. Following its December 7 premiere, the series shot to No. 2 on Netflix’s Top 10 list with 7.5M views in just a few days of availability.
The Heartbreakers Chronicles follows the exploits of the world’s #1 “boy band,” told from the perspective of the love interests of each of the band’s members.
Ed Glauser, iGeneration Studios founder and CEO,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s a sad day for Radio 2 listeners. Today, Ken Bruce is leaving the mid-morning slot he’s occupied for three decades. Never a showy broadcaster – like Terry Wogan before him, he identifies as a shy man – the 72-year-old Scot was an avuncular anchor in the day. To hear that he had decided to leave came as a shock. The mood curdled when it transpired Radio 2 bosses had refused to let him work out his contract, insisting he get his slippers out from under the desk by lunchtime today.
“It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme. “But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining [on my contract], it seems a shame.” He pointed out that he’d stuck to an old-school work ethic that meant that “over the last 46 years, I haven...
“It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme. “But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining [on my contract], it seems a shame.” He pointed out that he’d stuck to an old-school work ethic that meant that “over the last 46 years, I haven...
- 3/3/2023
- by Helen Brown
- The Independent - TV
Ken Bruce has claimed that BBC bosses have hastened his exit from Radio 2.
Last month, Bruce announced he would leave the corporation after 45 years to host a show on commercial rival, Greatest Hits Radio.
The veteran presenter, 72, has been on the BBC station since 1984, but told listeners in January: “I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2.”
He has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show since 1990, and been with the BBC since 1977 when he started out as a presenter on Radio Scotland.
His decision comes after Steve Wright was nudged out his Radio 2 afternoon slot, with Simon Mayo, Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady also moving on in recent months.
“I would stress that this is entirely my decision,” he said at the time. “I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2.”
But in a new tweet posted on Friday 24 February,...
Last month, Bruce announced he would leave the corporation after 45 years to host a show on commercial rival, Greatest Hits Radio.
The veteran presenter, 72, has been on the BBC station since 1984, but told listeners in January: “I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2.”
He has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show since 1990, and been with the BBC since 1977 when he started out as a presenter on Radio Scotland.
His decision comes after Steve Wright was nudged out his Radio 2 afternoon slot, with Simon Mayo, Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady also moving on in recent months.
“I would stress that this is entirely my decision,” he said at the time. “I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2.”
But in a new tweet posted on Friday 24 February,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The BBC has announced Ken Bruce’s replacement on Radio 2.
A month after the veteran DJ announced he would leave the station, it has been revealed that Vernon Kay will take his place.
Kay, 48, will succeed Bruce as host of the mid-morning show when he leaves this spring.
The presenter will launch the new show in May.
Speaking about his appointment, Kay said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone to present the mid-morning show on Radio 2, and what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce.
“I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months. It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”
Helen Thomas, Head...
A month after the veteran DJ announced he would leave the station, it has been revealed that Vernon Kay will take his place.
Kay, 48, will succeed Bruce as host of the mid-morning show when he leaves this spring.
The presenter will launch the new show in May.
Speaking about his appointment, Kay said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone to present the mid-morning show on Radio 2, and what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce.
“I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months. It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”
Helen Thomas, Head...
- 2/24/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Day Passes on sale now at thepodcastshowlondon.com Acast & Amazon Music and Wondery confirmed as headline partners Audioboom, BBC Sounds & Global return, with Veritone joining, as official partners 15,000+ visitors expected, day & night, from around the world - visitors from 20 countries already represented New for 2023: Exclusive Pre-Show Party & Preview night Ashley Flowers, New York Times bestselling author and host of the #1 true crime podcast Crime Junkie, announced as Keynote Speaker for Day 1 Dan Snow, Hala Taha, Nick Grimshaw, Jordan Harbinger, Spencer Matthews, Vogue Williams, Sam Faiers & Billie Faiers, William Hanson & Jordan North confirmed as speakers, with more to be announced
The Podcast Show, the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting, is back for a second year following the success of 2022’s inaugural show. This one-of-a-kind event is open to industry professionals, independent podcast creators, business leaders, emerging talent and fans alike. The aim is to celebrate podcasting, support new creators,...
The Podcast Show, the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting, is back for a second year following the success of 2022’s inaugural show. This one-of-a-kind event is open to industry professionals, independent podcast creators, business leaders, emerging talent and fans alike. The aim is to celebrate podcasting, support new creators,...
- 2/9/2023
- Podnews.net
Ken Bruce listeners are worried about the fate of his beloved quiz after he announced his BBC departure.
On Tuesday (17 January), the veteran radio host said that he had decided to step away from the corporation, where he has been employed for 45 years.
Bruce has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show on BBC Radio 2 since 1990, and became one of the best-loved hosts, in part thanks to PopMaster, a game that tests listeners’ pop knowledge.
The DJ introduced the quiz in 1998, and it typically takes place at around 10.30pm every night.
Following news of Bruce’s departure from the BBC, many have lamented the potential loss of PopMaster.
“I'm in a right sulk about Ken Bruce. Who gets custody of PopMaster?” @jothekendall wrote, with writer Kirsty Bosley adding: “Bloody hell, Ken. PopMaster isn’t as good with someone else’s voice.”
However, Bruce himself has revealed that he...
On Tuesday (17 January), the veteran radio host said that he had decided to step away from the corporation, where he has been employed for 45 years.
Bruce has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show on BBC Radio 2 since 1990, and became one of the best-loved hosts, in part thanks to PopMaster, a game that tests listeners’ pop knowledge.
The DJ introduced the quiz in 1998, and it typically takes place at around 10.30pm every night.
Following news of Bruce’s departure from the BBC, many have lamented the potential loss of PopMaster.
“I'm in a right sulk about Ken Bruce. Who gets custody of PopMaster?” @jothekendall wrote, with writer Kirsty Bosley adding: “Bloody hell, Ken. PopMaster isn’t as good with someone else’s voice.”
However, Bruce himself has revealed that he...
- 1/17/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Ken Bruce has become the latest veteran presenter to leave BBC Radio 2, leaving the corporation after 45 years to host a show on commercial rival, Greatest Hits Radio.
The 71-year-old has been on the station since 1984, but told listeners: “I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2.”
He has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show since 1990, and been with the BBC since 1977 where he began as a presenter on Radio Scotland.
It comes after Steve Wright was nudged out his Radio 2 afternoon slot, with Simon Mayo, Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady also moving on in recent months.
“After 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio, it’s time for a change,” Bruce said on Tuesday.
“I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2.”
Bruce, who said “the time was right” to quit,...
The 71-year-old has been on the station since 1984, but told listeners: “I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2.”
He has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show since 1990, and been with the BBC since 1977 where he began as a presenter on Radio Scotland.
It comes after Steve Wright was nudged out his Radio 2 afternoon slot, with Simon Mayo, Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady also moving on in recent months.
“After 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio, it’s time for a change,” Bruce said on Tuesday.
“I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2.”
Bruce, who said “the time was right” to quit,...
- 1/17/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry following the news of The Specials frontman Terry Hall’s death.
The Coventry two-tone band announced that Hall had died aged 63 on Monday (19 December) following a brief illness.
The band tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.
“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love.
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and leaves behind the gift of his remarkable music and profound humanity. Terry often left the stage at the end...
The Coventry two-tone band announced that Hall had died aged 63 on Monday (19 December) following a brief illness.
The band tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.
“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love.
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and leaves behind the gift of his remarkable music and profound humanity. Terry often left the stage at the end...
- 12/20/2022
- by Tom Murray and Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Click here to read the full article.
Knife Edge, the 2020 thriller novel and Sunday Times bestseller by veteran U.K. broadcaster and former BBC radio host Simon Mayo, has been optioned for TV by U.K. production company iGeneration Studios. Síofra Campbell has been attached to adapt the book to series and will also serve as lead writer and executive producer, alongside iGeneration principals Edward Glauser and Michael Shyjka.
Mayo’s fourth novel, Knife Edge follows disenchanted journalist Famie Madden as she investigates the brutal murder of four of her press agency colleagues in coordinated rush-hour stabbings in the space of minutes.
“I loved writing Knife Edge because I love writing about Famie,” said Mayo, who is perhaps best known as the co-host of the popular Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review on BBC Radio 1 alongside film critic Mark Kermode, which ran from 2001 until early 2022, when the two announced...
Knife Edge, the 2020 thriller novel and Sunday Times bestseller by veteran U.K. broadcaster and former BBC radio host Simon Mayo, has been optioned for TV by U.K. production company iGeneration Studios. Síofra Campbell has been attached to adapt the book to series and will also serve as lead writer and executive producer, alongside iGeneration principals Edward Glauser and Michael Shyjka.
Mayo’s fourth novel, Knife Edge follows disenchanted journalist Famie Madden as she investigates the brutal murder of four of her press agency colleagues in coordinated rush-hour stabbings in the space of minutes.
“I loved writing Knife Edge because I love writing about Famie,” said Mayo, who is perhaps best known as the co-host of the popular Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review on BBC Radio 1 alongside film critic Mark Kermode, which ran from 2001 until early 2022, when the two announced...
- 11/15/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Chair Richard Sharp has said MacTaggart lecturer Emily Maitlis was “completely wrong” to say due process was not followed after her now-infamous Dominic Cummings Newsnight rant, and rubbished her claim that a Conservative Party agent sits on the BBC Board.
Maitlis, who has now left the BBC and is fronting a Global podcast, made the comments during last month’s Edinburgh TV Festival address, stating that the BBC had “sought to pacify the complaint” immediately, which she disagreed with.
Speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) this morning, Sharp said Maitlis was “completely wrong” to say due process was not followed.
“While I thought the issues raised were worthwhile, I disagree with her view of impartiality which may mean she led with opinions, not facts. We found Newsnight had not appropriately addressed the issue because she led with her opinions.”
The now-infamous opening segment led with...
Maitlis, who has now left the BBC and is fronting a Global podcast, made the comments during last month’s Edinburgh TV Festival address, stating that the BBC had “sought to pacify the complaint” immediately, which she disagreed with.
Speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) this morning, Sharp said Maitlis was “completely wrong” to say due process was not followed.
“While I thought the issues raised were worthwhile, I disagree with her view of impartiality which may mean she led with opinions, not facts. We found Newsnight had not appropriately addressed the issue because she led with her opinions.”
The now-infamous opening segment led with...
- 9/6/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dino Sofos might not be a household name in the same vein as Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart lecturer Emily Maitlis or former BBC North America Editor Jon Sopel, but he has had a mighty impact on the British broadcasting news landscape of late.
The creator of the hugely-popular Brexitcast, Americast and Newscast BBC Sounds podcast franchise exited the BBC after 15 years last November to set up his own production outfit, Persephonica, with Tom O’Hara, and has since had a hand in tempting BBC lifers Maitlis and Sopel away from the corporation, amidst a wider talent exodus that has left Broadcasting House bosses nervous.
Along with another ex-bbc heavyweight, Policy Editor Lewis Goodall, Persephonica is gearing up for the launch of Global podcast The News Agents, a daily audio show “holding power to account without fear or favor,” according to Sofos, who speaks to Deadline in the weeks before the launch.
The creator of the hugely-popular Brexitcast, Americast and Newscast BBC Sounds podcast franchise exited the BBC after 15 years last November to set up his own production outfit, Persephonica, with Tom O’Hara, and has since had a hand in tempting BBC lifers Maitlis and Sopel away from the corporation, amidst a wider talent exodus that has left Broadcasting House bosses nervous.
Along with another ex-bbc heavyweight, Policy Editor Lewis Goodall, Persephonica is gearing up for the launch of Global podcast The News Agents, a daily audio show “holding power to account without fear or favor,” according to Sofos, who speaks to Deadline in the weeks before the launch.
- 8/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahead of their new film and TV podcast, radio’s odd couple take questions from actors, directors and Observer readers about optimism, the films they disagree on – and biscuits
Mark Kermode (film critic) and Simon Mayo (audio host) appear simultaneously on video link in appropriately themed rooms. Mayo’s is his spare bedroom, which boasts some excellent wallpaper featuring graphic versions of 7in singles. “Every single record label and band and identifying mark has been removed,” he notes. “But if you’re a veteran like I am, you can spot a Fontana single or a Cps or Epic…” Kermode is in a teeny room in a house he moved into only yesterday. Unsurprisingly, his is not a fabulous backdrop (unpacked boxes and what looks like a bunk bed) but somehow, he’s managed to make his computer camera reveal him in moody black and white. “Oh God, how did I do that?...
Mark Kermode (film critic) and Simon Mayo (audio host) appear simultaneously on video link in appropriately themed rooms. Mayo’s is his spare bedroom, which boasts some excellent wallpaper featuring graphic versions of 7in singles. “Every single record label and band and identifying mark has been removed,” he notes. “But if you’re a veteran like I am, you can spot a Fontana single or a Cps or Epic…” Kermode is in a teeny room in a house he moved into only yesterday. Unsurprisingly, his is not a fabulous backdrop (unpacked boxes and what looks like a bunk bed) but somehow, he’s managed to make his computer camera reveal him in moody black and white. “Oh God, how did I do that?...
- 5/1/2022
- by Miranda Sawyer
- The Guardian - Film News
Michael Caine said Friday on a BBC podcast that his newest film, Best Sellers, may be his last part, citing the pandemic, a lingering back issue and the lack of projects for “a leading man that’s 88.” But that’s not quite true, he clarified in a statement today.
“Regarding retirement,” said the Oscar-winner, “I’ve spent over 50 years getting up at 6:00 a.m. to make movies, and I’m not getting rid of my alarm clock!”
Caine reinforced the point in a tweet posted this morning saying, “I haven’t retired and not a lot of people know that.”
I haven’t retired and not a lot of people know that
— Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine) October 16, 2021
The actor, who has been remarkably prolific over the decades, told Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo Friday on the BBC podcast “Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review” that he’s now interested in writing.
“Regarding retirement,” said the Oscar-winner, “I’ve spent over 50 years getting up at 6:00 a.m. to make movies, and I’m not getting rid of my alarm clock!”
Caine reinforced the point in a tweet posted this morning saying, “I haven’t retired and not a lot of people know that.”
I haven’t retired and not a lot of people know that
— Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine) October 16, 2021
The actor, who has been remarkably prolific over the decades, told Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo Friday on the BBC podcast “Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review” that he’s now interested in writing.
- 10/16/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Two Popes” actor Jonathan Pryce, “The Great British Bake Off” judge Prue Leith and “Strictly Come Dancing” judge Arlene Phillips are among those in the arts named to Britain’s Queen’s Birthday honors list.
Pryce, an Oscar and BAFTA nominee for “The Two Popes” (2019) and Cannes best actor winner for “Carrington” (1995), has been knighted for services to drama and charity. He was previously a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Cbe). Pryce played the “High Sparrow” in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and will next portray Prince Philip in the upcoming two seasons of Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Leith, who is also a restaurateur, was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to food, broadcasting and charity.
Phillips has choreographed West End and Broadway productions including “Flashdance,” “Grease” and “We Will Rock You,” and was also a judge...
Pryce, an Oscar and BAFTA nominee for “The Two Popes” (2019) and Cannes best actor winner for “Carrington” (1995), has been knighted for services to drama and charity. He was previously a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Cbe). Pryce played the “High Sparrow” in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and will next portray Prince Philip in the upcoming two seasons of Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Leith, who is also a restaurateur, was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to food, broadcasting and charity.
Phillips has choreographed West End and Broadway productions including “Flashdance,” “Grease” and “We Will Rock You,” and was also a judge...
- 6/14/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The second instalment of ABC/Komixx Entertainment’s Itch was the first drama to recommence in Western Australia last year, thanks in part to virtual production technology used to contain sets.
Like many in the industry, Komixx Entertainment MD and head of global production Amanda Morrison had followed with interest the technology used by Jon Favreau on Disney’s The Mandalorian.
After then attending an R&d demo of LED screens by Perth company Last Pixel, she was convinced virtual production could be done locally on Itch.
Indeed, the pandemic seems to have ramped up broader industry interest in VP as such shoots can allow for smaller crews, contained sets, and the technology can create photo-realistic environments.
Set up within ABC Studios, Last Pixel provided Komixx with both the VFX and LED screens to be used for simulated car chases and scenes within an underground bunker. Morrison believes Itch may...
Like many in the industry, Komixx Entertainment MD and head of global production Amanda Morrison had followed with interest the technology used by Jon Favreau on Disney’s The Mandalorian.
After then attending an R&d demo of LED screens by Perth company Last Pixel, she was convinced virtual production could be done locally on Itch.
Indeed, the pandemic seems to have ramped up broader industry interest in VP as such shoots can allow for smaller crews, contained sets, and the technology can create photo-realistic environments.
Set up within ABC Studios, Last Pixel provided Komixx with both the VFX and LED screens to be used for simulated car chases and scenes within an underground bunker. Morrison believes Itch may...
- 1/19/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
‘Itch’.
With a UK deal with the BBC announced last week, Komixx Entertainments’ Itch has also been picked up in the Us, Finland and New Zealand.
ABC Commercial has sold the 10 x 30 children’s series to Us broadcaster Byu Broadcasting, who has secured Ftv, Stv and Svod rights for its family entertainment platform BYUtv, as well as Tvnz and Finnish public broadcaster Yle.
Based on the books from UK television and radio presenter Simon Mayo, Itch follows the follows the adventures of Itchingham Lofte, a science obsessed teenager who pursues the unusual hobby of collecting all the elements on the Periodic Table. When Itch gets his hands on a new, previously unknown element, things start to get interesting.
It stars Samuel Ireland opposite a cast of newcomers including Melanie Wozniak, Charles Russell, Kylah Day, Harry Popple, Henry Mendez and Keala Kern. ABC Commercial launched the series, aimed at 8-to-12 year olds,...
With a UK deal with the BBC announced last week, Komixx Entertainments’ Itch has also been picked up in the Us, Finland and New Zealand.
ABC Commercial has sold the 10 x 30 children’s series to Us broadcaster Byu Broadcasting, who has secured Ftv, Stv and Svod rights for its family entertainment platform BYUtv, as well as Tvnz and Finnish public broadcaster Yle.
Based on the books from UK television and radio presenter Simon Mayo, Itch follows the follows the adventures of Itchingham Lofte, a science obsessed teenager who pursues the unusual hobby of collecting all the elements on the Periodic Table. When Itch gets his hands on a new, previously unknown element, things start to get interesting.
It stars Samuel Ireland opposite a cast of newcomers including Melanie Wozniak, Charles Russell, Kylah Day, Harry Popple, Henry Mendez and Keala Kern. ABC Commercial launched the series, aimed at 8-to-12 year olds,...
- 5/28/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Itch’. (Photo: David Dare Parker)
The BBC has snapped up the UK rights to Komixx Entertainment children’s series Itch, to be broadcast on kids channel Cbbc.
Based on the books from UK television and radio presenter Simon Mayo, the 10 x 30 minute series follows the follows the adventures of Itchingham Lofte, a science obsessed teenager who pursues the unusual hobby of collecting all the elements on the Periodic Table. When Itch gets his hands on a new, previously unknown element, things start to get interesting.
Shot in Albany, Wa, the series is aimed at 8-to-12 year-olds and stars Samuel Ireland opposite a cast of newcomers including Melanie Wozniak, Charles Russell, Kylah Day, Harry Popple, Henry Mendez and Keala Kern. ABC Commercial launched the series at MIPJunior last October.
The scripts were written by Melanie Halsall, Dan Berlinka, Ron Elliott, Heather Wilson, Jessica Brookman and Roger Monk. The series produced by Amanda Morrison,...
The BBC has snapped up the UK rights to Komixx Entertainment children’s series Itch, to be broadcast on kids channel Cbbc.
Based on the books from UK television and radio presenter Simon Mayo, the 10 x 30 minute series follows the follows the adventures of Itchingham Lofte, a science obsessed teenager who pursues the unusual hobby of collecting all the elements on the Periodic Table. When Itch gets his hands on a new, previously unknown element, things start to get interesting.
Shot in Albany, Wa, the series is aimed at 8-to-12 year-olds and stars Samuel Ireland opposite a cast of newcomers including Melanie Wozniak, Charles Russell, Kylah Day, Harry Popple, Henry Mendez and Keala Kern. ABC Commercial launched the series at MIPJunior last October.
The scripts were written by Melanie Halsall, Dan Berlinka, Ron Elliott, Heather Wilson, Jessica Brookman and Roger Monk. The series produced by Amanda Morrison,...
- 5/20/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Nordoff Robbins' annual festive event played host to a number of celebrity performers, readers and guests to raise funds for their vital music therapy work.
To accompany their mince pies and mulled wine, guests were treated to carols by candlelight, with a welcome from Simon Mayo on behalf of Nordoff Robbins and Scala Radio – the charity’s partner for 2019.
Festive readings were shared by stars such as Giles Terera, Anneka Rice, Nikki Amuka-Bird, as well as renowned TV and film actor of ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Sherlock’ fame, Andrew Scott. Performances included sets from the nation’s favourite tenor and multi-platinum selling classical powerhouse, Alfie Boe, as well as composer, pianist, producer and one of the fastest-growing classical artists in the world, Alexis Ffrench, and Opera’s coolest soprano, Danielle De Niese.
Boe and De Niese gave guests an unexpected treat when they teamed up for a special dual rendition of the classical crossover hit,...
To accompany their mince pies and mulled wine, guests were treated to carols by candlelight, with a welcome from Simon Mayo on behalf of Nordoff Robbins and Scala Radio – the charity’s partner for 2019.
Festive readings were shared by stars such as Giles Terera, Anneka Rice, Nikki Amuka-Bird, as well as renowned TV and film actor of ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Sherlock’ fame, Andrew Scott. Performances included sets from the nation’s favourite tenor and multi-platinum selling classical powerhouse, Alfie Boe, as well as composer, pianist, producer and one of the fastest-growing classical artists in the world, Alexis Ffrench, and Opera’s coolest soprano, Danielle De Niese.
Boe and De Niese gave guests an unexpected treat when they teamed up for a special dual rendition of the classical crossover hit,...
- 12/23/2019
- Look to the Stars
Amanda Morrison.
Komixx Entertainment has elevated Asia Pacific MD Amanda Morrison to head of global production.
In her new role, Morrison will remain based in Perth and report directly to group CEO Ed Glauser.
Komixx was founded in London in 2007, where its headquarters remains. Since then it has expanded to Los Angeles, and in 2017, opened an Asia Pacific office based in Perth, which Morrison has led over the last two years.
“Komixx is a dynamic and truly global production company focusing on the iGeneration that is growing up digital. Our shows are currently in production all over the world so I am super excited to take on this new role,” Morrison told If.
For Morrison, working internationally from Australia gives Komixx a unique opportunity to draw from the depth of Australian talent while leveraging established relationships overseas.
The company’s expansion has been propelled by success in the kids and young-adult genre,...
Komixx Entertainment has elevated Asia Pacific MD Amanda Morrison to head of global production.
In her new role, Morrison will remain based in Perth and report directly to group CEO Ed Glauser.
Komixx was founded in London in 2007, where its headquarters remains. Since then it has expanded to Los Angeles, and in 2017, opened an Asia Pacific office based in Perth, which Morrison has led over the last two years.
“Komixx is a dynamic and truly global production company focusing on the iGeneration that is growing up digital. Our shows are currently in production all over the world so I am super excited to take on this new role,” Morrison told If.
For Morrison, working internationally from Australia gives Komixx a unique opportunity to draw from the depth of Australian talent while leveraging established relationships overseas.
The company’s expansion has been propelled by success in the kids and young-adult genre,...
- 9/12/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Nicholas Verso (l) and Samuel Ireland on the ‘Itch’ set (Photo credit: David Dare Parker).
Nicholas Verso has worked with children so often since his 2016 debut feature Boys in the Trees the writer-director says it’s a blessing whenever an adult appears on set.
Not that he is complaining: Verso has relished nurturing young talent in Matchbox Pictures’ Nowhere Boys, Magpie Pictures’ Grace Beside Me, Aquarius Films’ The Unlisted and the ABC Me-commissioned action-adventure Itch.
However he looks forward to getting into adult territory with horror movie The Ice Cream Man, The Lairdbalor adapted from Kathleen Kaufman’s dark fantasy novel, and psychological thriller Sleep to Dream.
In addition he is developing with producer Joanna Werner Crazy Fun Park, a TV series set in an abandoned amusement park populated by the corpses of kids who died there. That isn’t as dark as it sounds, he explains, observing: “It’s...
Nicholas Verso has worked with children so often since his 2016 debut feature Boys in the Trees the writer-director says it’s a blessing whenever an adult appears on set.
Not that he is complaining: Verso has relished nurturing young talent in Matchbox Pictures’ Nowhere Boys, Magpie Pictures’ Grace Beside Me, Aquarius Films’ The Unlisted and the ABC Me-commissioned action-adventure Itch.
However he looks forward to getting into adult territory with horror movie The Ice Cream Man, The Lairdbalor adapted from Kathleen Kaufman’s dark fantasy novel, and psychological thriller Sleep to Dream.
In addition he is developing with producer Joanna Werner Crazy Fun Park, a TV series set in an abandoned amusement park populated by the corpses of kids who died there. That isn’t as dark as it sounds, he explains, observing: “It’s...
- 4/15/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(l-r) Renée Webster with cast members Ben Mortley and Keala Kern and Dop Darrell Martin (Photo credit: Nic Duncan).
Australian children’s TV series rarely venture into the fast-paced action adventure genre. Rarer still is a teenage protagonist who is highly intelligent and passionate about science.
That’s the premise of Itch, the 10-part ABC-tv series now shooting in Albany, Wa, produced by Komixx Entertainment in association with Feisty Dame Productions.
It was an irresistible hook for Renée Webster, who directed the first block before handing over to co-director Nick Verso.
Adapted from former BBC broadcaster Simon Mayo’s novel Itch, the series stars Waapa graduate Samuel Ireland as Itchingham Lofte, a science-obsessed teen who pursues the unusual and sometimes dangerous hobby of collecting all the elements on the periodic table.
“I am attracted to projects whose values resonate with mine: that is really important,” she tells If. “Nick and...
Australian children’s TV series rarely venture into the fast-paced action adventure genre. Rarer still is a teenage protagonist who is highly intelligent and passionate about science.
That’s the premise of Itch, the 10-part ABC-tv series now shooting in Albany, Wa, produced by Komixx Entertainment in association with Feisty Dame Productions.
It was an irresistible hook for Renée Webster, who directed the first block before handing over to co-director Nick Verso.
Adapted from former BBC broadcaster Simon Mayo’s novel Itch, the series stars Waapa graduate Samuel Ireland as Itchingham Lofte, a science-obsessed teen who pursues the unusual and sometimes dangerous hobby of collecting all the elements on the periodic table.
“I am attracted to projects whose values resonate with mine: that is really important,” she tells If. “Nick and...
- 3/20/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Young adult, action-adventure TV series “Itch” has begun shooting in Western Australia through indie film and TV producer Komixx Entertainment. The show, to be delivered next year, will be broadcast in Australia by ABC Me, part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and distributed worldwide by ABC Commercial.
The 10-part series is a TV adaptation of former BBC 2 Radio broadcaster Simon Mayo’s best-selling teen novel of the same name, after Komixx acquired the rights in 2013. “Itch” tells the tale of a science obsessed teenager who discovers a new chemical element with extraordinary powers and is forced to go on the run to protect it from a sinister organization which wants it for its own ends.
It was developed for television by Komixx’s head of development, Melanie Halsall and writer Dan Berlinka. Other writing credits go to Ron Elliott, Heather Wilson, Jessica Brookman and Roger Monk. The producers are Amanda Morrison...
The 10-part series is a TV adaptation of former BBC 2 Radio broadcaster Simon Mayo’s best-selling teen novel of the same name, after Komixx acquired the rights in 2013. “Itch” tells the tale of a science obsessed teenager who discovers a new chemical element with extraordinary powers and is forced to go on the run to protect it from a sinister organization which wants it for its own ends.
It was developed for television by Komixx’s head of development, Melanie Halsall and writer Dan Berlinka. Other writing credits go to Ron Elliott, Heather Wilson, Jessica Brookman and Roger Monk. The producers are Amanda Morrison...
- 2/25/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Charles Russell, Samuel Ireland, Melanie Wozniak and Kylah Day in ‘Itch’ (Photo credit – Nic Duncan).
When BBC announcer Simon Mayo wrote a short story for Joe, his then 10-year-old son, he had no agent or publisher and he could not imagine the book turning into a TV series set halfway across the world in Australia.
Mayo’s tome Itch was published in 2012 and optioned the following year by Komixx Entertainment, the film and TV production company with headquarters in London and offices in Los Angeles.
Melanie Halsall, Komixx’s head of development, laboured for years on the project, which chronicles the adventures of Itchingham Lofte, a science-obsessed teenager who pursues the unusual and sometimes dangerous hobby of collecting all the elements on the periodic table.
When he discovers a new element with extraordinary powers he is forced to go on the run to protect it from sinister organisations who want it for their own ends.
When BBC announcer Simon Mayo wrote a short story for Joe, his then 10-year-old son, he had no agent or publisher and he could not imagine the book turning into a TV series set halfway across the world in Australia.
Mayo’s tome Itch was published in 2012 and optioned the following year by Komixx Entertainment, the film and TV production company with headquarters in London and offices in Los Angeles.
Melanie Halsall, Komixx’s head of development, laboured for years on the project, which chronicles the adventures of Itchingham Lofte, a science-obsessed teenager who pursues the unusual and sometimes dangerous hobby of collecting all the elements on the periodic table.
When he discovers a new element with extraordinary powers he is forced to go on the run to protect it from sinister organisations who want it for their own ends.
- 2/25/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Among new members are Maren Ade, Hugh Grant and Hayley Squires.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed its 2018 intake of new members drawn from the film, TV and games industry.
Among the 386 new members are actors Hugh Grant, Willem Dafoe and Hayley Squires, directors Maren Ade (Toni Erdmann), Daniel Kokotajlo (Apostasy) and Michael Pearce (Beast), film execs Shana Eddy-Grouf (Studiocanal) and Katie Goodson-Thomas (Fox Searchlight), and La La Land producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger.
Former UK and Ireland Screen Stars of Tomorrow in the new intake include producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly and actor Jessie Barden.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed its 2018 intake of new members drawn from the film, TV and games industry.
Among the 386 new members are actors Hugh Grant, Willem Dafoe and Hayley Squires, directors Maren Ade (Toni Erdmann), Daniel Kokotajlo (Apostasy) and Michael Pearce (Beast), film execs Shana Eddy-Grouf (Studiocanal) and Katie Goodson-Thomas (Fox Searchlight), and La La Land producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger.
Former UK and Ireland Screen Stars of Tomorrow in the new intake include producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly and actor Jessie Barden.
- 12/12/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Hugh Grant, Jodie Whittaker and Letitia Wright are among 386 new BAFTA members. The 2018 intake span the film, games and TV industries across eleven countries. Scroll down for the full list of new members.
Among new members are BAFTA-winner Grant, Doctor Who star Whittaker, BAFTA-nominee Willem Dafoe, Black Panther star Letitia Wright, La La Land producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger, Mad Max: Fury Road costume designer Jenny Beavan, Toni Erdmann director Maren Ade, and UK broadcasters Sandi Toksvig and Simon Mayo.
BAFTA comprises around 8,000 members worldwide. The UK org tweaked its membership requirements in 2016 in a bid to improve diversity of intake.
Amanda Berry, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said, “We’re delighted to welcome our new members to BAFTA. Our members represent the breadth of the ever-evolving film, games and television industries. They sit at the heart of everything BAFTA does, from mentoring emerging talent, voting in the Awards, sharing...
Among new members are BAFTA-winner Grant, Doctor Who star Whittaker, BAFTA-nominee Willem Dafoe, Black Panther star Letitia Wright, La La Land producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger, Mad Max: Fury Road costume designer Jenny Beavan, Toni Erdmann director Maren Ade, and UK broadcasters Sandi Toksvig and Simon Mayo.
BAFTA comprises around 8,000 members worldwide. The UK org tweaked its membership requirements in 2016 in a bid to improve diversity of intake.
Amanda Berry, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said, “We’re delighted to welcome our new members to BAFTA. Our members represent the breadth of the ever-evolving film, games and television industries. They sit at the heart of everything BAFTA does, from mentoring emerging talent, voting in the Awards, sharing...
- 12/12/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Simon Brew Jul 6, 2017
Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 are Marvel's two films of 2017 so far. One is more welcoming to newcomers.
Light spoilers for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 lie ahead
See related Jurassic World review Looking back at Jurassic Park
Two films thus far in 2017 have been released under the banner of Marvel Studios (accepting that one of them is a co-production with Sony), and both in their own way highlight some of the demands that come with a long-running cinematic universe.
First up was Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, the rightly-acclaimed sequel from James Gunn that packed in lots of jokes, characters it was fun to spend time with, and a plot about, well, an evil planet and some other stuff. Secondly, we’ve had Spider-Man: Homecoming, the rightly-acclaimed new Spidey adventure from Jon Watts, that’s packed in lots of jokes, characters it’s fun to spend time with,...
Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 are Marvel's two films of 2017 so far. One is more welcoming to newcomers.
Light spoilers for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 lie ahead
See related Jurassic World review Looking back at Jurassic Park
Two films thus far in 2017 have been released under the banner of Marvel Studios (accepting that one of them is a co-production with Sony), and both in their own way highlight some of the demands that come with a long-running cinematic universe.
First up was Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, the rightly-acclaimed sequel from James Gunn that packed in lots of jokes, characters it was fun to spend time with, and a plot about, well, an evil planet and some other stuff. Secondly, we’ve had Spider-Man: Homecoming, the rightly-acclaimed new Spidey adventure from Jon Watts, that’s packed in lots of jokes, characters it’s fun to spend time with,...
- 7/2/2017
- Den of Geek
Catherine Pearson Jun 21, 2017
All you need to know about Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo’s Film Review show...
Hello to Jason.
See related Dwayne Johnson headlining Big Trouble In Little China remake Big Trouble In Little China remake: John Carpenter not consulted Big Trouble In Little China: Kurt Russell on the remake Zu: the movie that inspired Big Trouble In Little China
The term ‘Wittertainment’ was originally coined by a fan of Kermode And Mayo’s Film Review radio show and podcast on BBC Radio 5 Live. Easily mistaken for a nod to Mark and Simon’s sharp and witty banter, the term in fact comes from the continual on-air wittering of the pair. It is truly the bromance of the modern age.
The witterings of film critic and double bass extraordinaire Mark Kermode and radio giant and novelist Simon Mayo are the highlight of this glorious show, a show that they frequently remind listeners is not, in fact, about film at all. Just like Jaws is not about a shark. Confused? Most likely. Allow me to introduce you into the vast, colourful and friendly listenership of the hugely popular radio show that recently won the British Podcast Awards’ ‘Listeners’ Choice’ award, a trophy that Simon frequently reminds Mark on air that they ought to be sharing.
The Church of Wittertainment
Fans of Kermode And Mayo’s Film Review are better known as members of the Church of Wittertainment and the show devotes a great deal of time to catching up with their listenership. Letters from listeners, or rather ‘Wittertainees’, have led to the coining of new Wittertainment slang (Gerrard Butler now goes by ‘Shut Up Butt Wot’ after a listener explained her child’s mishearing of the actor’s name), lively debate around the latest film releases and some funny, fascinating and truly moving stories. Simon’s considerate and empathetic reading of fan letters makes Wittertainment more than a two-man show with a bunch o’ film reviews; it’s a family.
Emails to the show feature all sorts, from thanking the show for its assistance during an operation or marathon to requesting a small corner of the Church for the practise of one’s own faith, occupation or tendency to be female pipe smoker (apparently it’s a rare thing). Following an architect’s blue print of the ‘Witterthedral’ that was sent in to the show, it is now possible to view the different areas of the Church in its large, W-shaped building, including ‘Clergy Corner’, ‘Humanist Hollow’ and the ‘Transgender Transept’. Fan contributions in 2016 saw the creation of the country of Wittertania complete with (scarily legitimate looking) passports and even a national anthem. A number of emails are also sent in to ask for Mark and Simon’s advice on film and life choices and, more recently, to report WRIs.
What is a Wri, you ask? It is just one of the many acronyms Wittertainment correspondence can contain, the most frequent being:
Ltl: long-term listener.
Stl: short-term listener.
Fte: first-time emailer.
Wri: a Wittertainment related injury, often the result of a sudden outburst of laughter or Mark suddenly banging his hand on the desk, putting headphone-wearers at considerable risk.
Aals: Altitude Adjusted Lachrymosity Syndrome. Have you ever noticed that you have a greater tendency to cry at films whilst on a plane? You’re not alone... and it’s something to do with the cabin pressure.
In the last year, emails from Church members have frequently opened with ‘wassup’: a phrase Simon often begins the podcast with, asking Mark “wassup with your bad self?” Other phrases you are likely to hear in the course of the show include ‘two-d’ and ‘threed’ (a much more efficient, and let’s face it cooler, way of saying 2D and 3D), ‘tinkety tonk old fruit and down with the Nazis’ (a sign-off adopted by correspondents after it came to light that the Queen Mother ended all of her wartime letters with this phrase) and, of course, ‘Hello to Jason Isaacs’.
Friends and features of the show
Go to Google and search for Jason Isaacs. Have a look at what appears at the top of the search results page. There you go, proof if ever you needed it that everyone is a fan of Wittertainment. It has become Wittertainment tradition to say ‘hello to’ the famous friends of the show, with Jason taking top billing as he was a schoolmate of Mark’s. Also, like everyone who is a friend of the show, he’s just an all-around top guy. Among the other famous names who receive a ‘hello’ are Stephen Fry, David Morrissey, Tom Hanks, Sanjeev Baskar and more recently the lovely Tom Hiddleston, with some of these film review friends having taken to the microphones when the men themselves are on the cruise (see ‘The Wittertainment Cruise’).
The weekly Wittertainment podcast will always open with some Class A wittering. More often than not, Mark is unaware that Simon – or the eagle-eyed and much loved Producer Robin – has clicked the record button and will ask if the podcast has started, followed by any excuse to bring up The Comsat Angels. In the course of the show, you can expect the ‘Top 10’ (a relatively short and comprehensive overview of the top 10 films at the Box Office and Mark’s opinions of them), a selection of film reviews from Mark interspersed with fan emails and a celebrity interview with Simon. The show is rounded off with Mark’s ‘Film of the Week’, ‘TV Movie of the Week’ and ‘DVD of the Week’, the latter even having its own theme music to which Mark and Simon have taken to chuckling over before fans attempt to guess Mark’s choice. The fun and shenanigans also continues beyond this flagship film review show as Wittertainment has its finger on the pulse with Facebook, Twitter, a “Snaptat” account and even a ‘Wittr’ app. Designed by a dedicated listener, the app and enables listeners to geo-locate fellow Wittertainees all around the globe. Mark and Simon initially stressed that they are not affiliated with this app, before admitting that it fuels their now extremely opulent lifestyles and has brought them wealth beyond their wildest dreams.
The Code of Conduct
Whilst Wittertainment is a very inclusive show, there are a few rules. All the best groups have them. For Mark and Simon, there are strict cinema-going rules that can be downloaded and affixed to a feature wall here. Love film but hate the disruptions that ruin the experience? So do Mark and Simon. Encountering a Code of Conduct-abiding screening is such a rare delight and, alas, you cannot claim to be a true member of the Church unless you consistently follow these cinema guidelines. Highlights include not using the cinema as a babysitter, no knitting during a film, no foraging of any kind and Turning Off Your Phone. If you would like to see Mark and Simon’s bad selves explain the Code of Conduct in their own words, follow this link. Soft rolls with no filling all around!
Things that Mark and Simon like
For those unfamiliar to the show, Mark Kermode may be best known for his rants. It is true that when Mark hates a film he does not hold back (we all know the Sex And The City 2 and Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 reviews), but his attitude towards film and his overall outlook is very optimistic. He will only unleash his signature Kermodian rants on the most deserving of film subjects and ultimately wants to enjoy what he is about to watch, whether that involves a comedy film passing his ‘6 Laughs Test’ or a drama moving him to tears.
Mark likes Manchester (he went to university there), The Exorcist (his favourite film of all time) and flapping his hands in cinema-induced excitement. Simon likes Warwick (he went to university there), doing creepy voices to scare Mark and putting on a different jumper to transform himself into Peter from Germany (a confession of his childhood alter-ego that was met with much hilarity). The pair are apparently never happier than when they are in possession of a ‘fart gun’: a toy from the film Despicable Me 2 that they can be heard firing at one another whilst giggling “hehehe Bottom” in the style of the mischievous yellow Minions. The pair also enjoy chatting about their joint-family holidays and the antics of their spouses; for Mark ‘the good lady professor her indoors’ and for Simon ‘the good lady ceramicist her indoors’.
Mark frequently mentions his other favourite films, including Mary Poppins and Dougal And The Blue Cat as well as a film that he tracked down from his childhood cinema-going experience, Jeremy. Mark wants Simon to see Jeremy. Simon doesn’t fancy seeing Jeremy. The jury is still out as to whether the Good Doctor (a nickname for Mark whose Phd was on horror fiction) has managed to convince Simon to see what, in his view, is a cinematic masterpiece. For Simon, the name Jeremy is met with the same disdain as the long-running and somewhat stale joke about an iPod being referred to as a ‘fruit-based device’. Mark also has a tendency to sigh, or even just pause briefly, before he is about to give a review of a film, something Simon has recognised to be a sign of a negative review on the way. The pair have also become quite adept at signalling when Producer Robin will begin to play a track of birdsong to censor their witterings, something that has happened on the podcast on a few occasions during these tumultuous political times.
The Wittertainment Cruise
How do you get tickets for the cruise? You just get tickets for the cruise. It might be worth explaining that this approach is integral to the Wittertainment philosophy. It’s very simple to do something; you just do it. In this spirit, it is very easy to get the cruise to stop at your port of choice because you just get Mark and Simon to pull the cruise liner over.
For full details of previous guests and embarkation points it is worth consulting the Witterpedia page on the Cruise. For those of you who are completely confused, I don’t want to say that the cruise is not a real event per se, just that you might find it more fun if you use your imagination. When Mark and Simon take their summer holiday and leave us bereft of their on-air company for at least a couple of weeks, fear not, because it means that the Wittertainment Cruise is coming to a port near you! Mark and Simon are very flexible about stop-offs and also promise everyone a go at taking the helm. The cruise is bursting at the seams with Code of Conduct-abiding screenings of the latest flicks, celebrity faces and activities that include quoits, shuffleboard and a limbo competition. Simon is the current reigning limbo champion having defeated the affectionately nicknamed Sir Ken Chuckles Branagh.
It is little wonder that Wittertainment is such a long-running, astronomical success. Not only do Mark and Simon really know their stuff, they’re very humble and infinitely generous to their listeners. Whilst Kermode And Mayo’s Film Review is theirs, Wittertainment is a community that they built with their listenership. If you love film, you’ll love this radio show and podcast, but chances are you’ll fall for this show anyway. On top of the expert film criticism and all of the shenanigans, Wittertainment has a great deal of heart, and sometimes all you need is to hear Mark’s trademark reassuring phrase: “Everything is going to be alright.”...
All you need to know about Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo’s Film Review show...
Hello to Jason.
See related Dwayne Johnson headlining Big Trouble In Little China remake Big Trouble In Little China remake: John Carpenter not consulted Big Trouble In Little China: Kurt Russell on the remake Zu: the movie that inspired Big Trouble In Little China
The term ‘Wittertainment’ was originally coined by a fan of Kermode And Mayo’s Film Review radio show and podcast on BBC Radio 5 Live. Easily mistaken for a nod to Mark and Simon’s sharp and witty banter, the term in fact comes from the continual on-air wittering of the pair. It is truly the bromance of the modern age.
The witterings of film critic and double bass extraordinaire Mark Kermode and radio giant and novelist Simon Mayo are the highlight of this glorious show, a show that they frequently remind listeners is not, in fact, about film at all. Just like Jaws is not about a shark. Confused? Most likely. Allow me to introduce you into the vast, colourful and friendly listenership of the hugely popular radio show that recently won the British Podcast Awards’ ‘Listeners’ Choice’ award, a trophy that Simon frequently reminds Mark on air that they ought to be sharing.
The Church of Wittertainment
Fans of Kermode And Mayo’s Film Review are better known as members of the Church of Wittertainment and the show devotes a great deal of time to catching up with their listenership. Letters from listeners, or rather ‘Wittertainees’, have led to the coining of new Wittertainment slang (Gerrard Butler now goes by ‘Shut Up Butt Wot’ after a listener explained her child’s mishearing of the actor’s name), lively debate around the latest film releases and some funny, fascinating and truly moving stories. Simon’s considerate and empathetic reading of fan letters makes Wittertainment more than a two-man show with a bunch o’ film reviews; it’s a family.
Emails to the show feature all sorts, from thanking the show for its assistance during an operation or marathon to requesting a small corner of the Church for the practise of one’s own faith, occupation or tendency to be female pipe smoker (apparently it’s a rare thing). Following an architect’s blue print of the ‘Witterthedral’ that was sent in to the show, it is now possible to view the different areas of the Church in its large, W-shaped building, including ‘Clergy Corner’, ‘Humanist Hollow’ and the ‘Transgender Transept’. Fan contributions in 2016 saw the creation of the country of Wittertania complete with (scarily legitimate looking) passports and even a national anthem. A number of emails are also sent in to ask for Mark and Simon’s advice on film and life choices and, more recently, to report WRIs.
What is a Wri, you ask? It is just one of the many acronyms Wittertainment correspondence can contain, the most frequent being:
Ltl: long-term listener.
Stl: short-term listener.
Fte: first-time emailer.
Wri: a Wittertainment related injury, often the result of a sudden outburst of laughter or Mark suddenly banging his hand on the desk, putting headphone-wearers at considerable risk.
Aals: Altitude Adjusted Lachrymosity Syndrome. Have you ever noticed that you have a greater tendency to cry at films whilst on a plane? You’re not alone... and it’s something to do with the cabin pressure.
In the last year, emails from Church members have frequently opened with ‘wassup’: a phrase Simon often begins the podcast with, asking Mark “wassup with your bad self?” Other phrases you are likely to hear in the course of the show include ‘two-d’ and ‘threed’ (a much more efficient, and let’s face it cooler, way of saying 2D and 3D), ‘tinkety tonk old fruit and down with the Nazis’ (a sign-off adopted by correspondents after it came to light that the Queen Mother ended all of her wartime letters with this phrase) and, of course, ‘Hello to Jason Isaacs’.
Friends and features of the show
Go to Google and search for Jason Isaacs. Have a look at what appears at the top of the search results page. There you go, proof if ever you needed it that everyone is a fan of Wittertainment. It has become Wittertainment tradition to say ‘hello to’ the famous friends of the show, with Jason taking top billing as he was a schoolmate of Mark’s. Also, like everyone who is a friend of the show, he’s just an all-around top guy. Among the other famous names who receive a ‘hello’ are Stephen Fry, David Morrissey, Tom Hanks, Sanjeev Baskar and more recently the lovely Tom Hiddleston, with some of these film review friends having taken to the microphones when the men themselves are on the cruise (see ‘The Wittertainment Cruise’).
The weekly Wittertainment podcast will always open with some Class A wittering. More often than not, Mark is unaware that Simon – or the eagle-eyed and much loved Producer Robin – has clicked the record button and will ask if the podcast has started, followed by any excuse to bring up The Comsat Angels. In the course of the show, you can expect the ‘Top 10’ (a relatively short and comprehensive overview of the top 10 films at the Box Office and Mark’s opinions of them), a selection of film reviews from Mark interspersed with fan emails and a celebrity interview with Simon. The show is rounded off with Mark’s ‘Film of the Week’, ‘TV Movie of the Week’ and ‘DVD of the Week’, the latter even having its own theme music to which Mark and Simon have taken to chuckling over before fans attempt to guess Mark’s choice. The fun and shenanigans also continues beyond this flagship film review show as Wittertainment has its finger on the pulse with Facebook, Twitter, a “Snaptat” account and even a ‘Wittr’ app. Designed by a dedicated listener, the app and enables listeners to geo-locate fellow Wittertainees all around the globe. Mark and Simon initially stressed that they are not affiliated with this app, before admitting that it fuels their now extremely opulent lifestyles and has brought them wealth beyond their wildest dreams.
The Code of Conduct
Whilst Wittertainment is a very inclusive show, there are a few rules. All the best groups have them. For Mark and Simon, there are strict cinema-going rules that can be downloaded and affixed to a feature wall here. Love film but hate the disruptions that ruin the experience? So do Mark and Simon. Encountering a Code of Conduct-abiding screening is such a rare delight and, alas, you cannot claim to be a true member of the Church unless you consistently follow these cinema guidelines. Highlights include not using the cinema as a babysitter, no knitting during a film, no foraging of any kind and Turning Off Your Phone. If you would like to see Mark and Simon’s bad selves explain the Code of Conduct in their own words, follow this link. Soft rolls with no filling all around!
Things that Mark and Simon like
For those unfamiliar to the show, Mark Kermode may be best known for his rants. It is true that when Mark hates a film he does not hold back (we all know the Sex And The City 2 and Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 reviews), but his attitude towards film and his overall outlook is very optimistic. He will only unleash his signature Kermodian rants on the most deserving of film subjects and ultimately wants to enjoy what he is about to watch, whether that involves a comedy film passing his ‘6 Laughs Test’ or a drama moving him to tears.
Mark likes Manchester (he went to university there), The Exorcist (his favourite film of all time) and flapping his hands in cinema-induced excitement. Simon likes Warwick (he went to university there), doing creepy voices to scare Mark and putting on a different jumper to transform himself into Peter from Germany (a confession of his childhood alter-ego that was met with much hilarity). The pair are apparently never happier than when they are in possession of a ‘fart gun’: a toy from the film Despicable Me 2 that they can be heard firing at one another whilst giggling “hehehe Bottom” in the style of the mischievous yellow Minions. The pair also enjoy chatting about their joint-family holidays and the antics of their spouses; for Mark ‘the good lady professor her indoors’ and for Simon ‘the good lady ceramicist her indoors’.
Mark frequently mentions his other favourite films, including Mary Poppins and Dougal And The Blue Cat as well as a film that he tracked down from his childhood cinema-going experience, Jeremy. Mark wants Simon to see Jeremy. Simon doesn’t fancy seeing Jeremy. The jury is still out as to whether the Good Doctor (a nickname for Mark whose Phd was on horror fiction) has managed to convince Simon to see what, in his view, is a cinematic masterpiece. For Simon, the name Jeremy is met with the same disdain as the long-running and somewhat stale joke about an iPod being referred to as a ‘fruit-based device’. Mark also has a tendency to sigh, or even just pause briefly, before he is about to give a review of a film, something Simon has recognised to be a sign of a negative review on the way. The pair have also become quite adept at signalling when Producer Robin will begin to play a track of birdsong to censor their witterings, something that has happened on the podcast on a few occasions during these tumultuous political times.
The Wittertainment Cruise
How do you get tickets for the cruise? You just get tickets for the cruise. It might be worth explaining that this approach is integral to the Wittertainment philosophy. It’s very simple to do something; you just do it. In this spirit, it is very easy to get the cruise to stop at your port of choice because you just get Mark and Simon to pull the cruise liner over.
For full details of previous guests and embarkation points it is worth consulting the Witterpedia page on the Cruise. For those of you who are completely confused, I don’t want to say that the cruise is not a real event per se, just that you might find it more fun if you use your imagination. When Mark and Simon take their summer holiday and leave us bereft of their on-air company for at least a couple of weeks, fear not, because it means that the Wittertainment Cruise is coming to a port near you! Mark and Simon are very flexible about stop-offs and also promise everyone a go at taking the helm. The cruise is bursting at the seams with Code of Conduct-abiding screenings of the latest flicks, celebrity faces and activities that include quoits, shuffleboard and a limbo competition. Simon is the current reigning limbo champion having defeated the affectionately nicknamed Sir Ken Chuckles Branagh.
It is little wonder that Wittertainment is such a long-running, astronomical success. Not only do Mark and Simon really know their stuff, they’re very humble and infinitely generous to their listeners. Whilst Kermode And Mayo’s Film Review is theirs, Wittertainment is a community that they built with their listenership. If you love film, you’ll love this radio show and podcast, but chances are you’ll fall for this show anyway. On top of the expert film criticism and all of the shenanigans, Wittertainment has a great deal of heart, and sometimes all you need is to hear Mark’s trademark reassuring phrase: “Everything is going to be alright.”...
- 6/14/2017
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Mar 21, 2017
How many of us revisit a film, if it didn't work for us first time around?
A bit of clickbait avoidance. The answer to the question posed in the title is: it clearly depends on the film. But I think there’s a bit more to it than that. Hence this article.
Let’s start, then, with Stephen Fry. In his relatively recent memoir More Fool Me, he spends a welcome chunk of the opening section discussing books, and how memories of books can leak over time. He ties it into Guy Pearce’s character in Memento, thus earning a few extra geek points from the jar.
But there’s a sentence he writes, on page 15, that struck me at the time, and has struck me regularly since. For he simply recalls that “A friend of mine pointed out recently how absurd it was that people reread...
How many of us revisit a film, if it didn't work for us first time around?
A bit of clickbait avoidance. The answer to the question posed in the title is: it clearly depends on the film. But I think there’s a bit more to it than that. Hence this article.
Let’s start, then, with Stephen Fry. In his relatively recent memoir More Fool Me, he spends a welcome chunk of the opening section discussing books, and how memories of books can leak over time. He ties it into Guy Pearce’s character in Memento, thus earning a few extra geek points from the jar.
But there’s a sentence he writes, on page 15, that struck me at the time, and has struck me regularly since. For he simply recalls that “A friend of mine pointed out recently how absurd it was that people reread...
- 3/20/2017
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Mar 16, 2017
The Wittertainment movie universe might just have begun, as Simon Mayo's upcoming Mad Blood gets picked up for a big screen adaptation...
Expect Simon Mayo’s cabin on the next Wittertainment cruise to be suitably upgraded, off the back of the news that his next book has already been snapped up for a big screen adaptation.
See related Marvel's Iron Fist episode 1 viewing notes: Snow Gives Way Iron Fist: Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick interview Marvel's Iron Fist spoiler-free review
The book in question is his first adult novel, that’s going by the name of Mad Blood. It was a project he hinted at when we interviewed him here, where he told us that "I wrote a synopsis of this over four pages, and the film rights sold off the back of that. Literally on the four pages. I’ve come across a story...
The Wittertainment movie universe might just have begun, as Simon Mayo's upcoming Mad Blood gets picked up for a big screen adaptation...
Expect Simon Mayo’s cabin on the next Wittertainment cruise to be suitably upgraded, off the back of the news that his next book has already been snapped up for a big screen adaptation.
See related Marvel's Iron Fist episode 1 viewing notes: Snow Gives Way Iron Fist: Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick interview Marvel's Iron Fist spoiler-free review
The book in question is his first adult novel, that’s going by the name of Mad Blood. It was a project he hinted at when we interviewed him here, where he told us that "I wrote a synopsis of this over four pages, and the film rights sold off the back of that. Literally on the four pages. I’ve come across a story...
- 3/16/2017
- Den of Geek
Den Of Geek Dec 14, 2016
As nominated by our writers, here are the books published in 2016 that we couldn't recommend more highly...
Closing the final page on the very best books leaves you with a single urge: to share it. We’re talking about the kind of books that make you want to follow strangers down the road, tugging at their elbow and saying “seriously, you’ve got to read this”.
Here then, is our equivalent of doing that. These are the books published in 2015 that our writers felt compelled to share. If there’s one that you feel similarly enthused about, please do recommend away in the comments section...
All The Birds In The Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
We live in what can charitably be described as interesting times. If you were feeling less than charitable, you might even describe them as dark times. And it has always been...
As nominated by our writers, here are the books published in 2016 that we couldn't recommend more highly...
Closing the final page on the very best books leaves you with a single urge: to share it. We’re talking about the kind of books that make you want to follow strangers down the road, tugging at their elbow and saying “seriously, you’ve got to read this”.
Here then, is our equivalent of doing that. These are the books published in 2015 that our writers felt compelled to share. If there’s one that you feel similarly enthused about, please do recommend away in the comments section...
All The Birds In The Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
We live in what can charitably be described as interesting times. If you were feeling less than charitable, you might even describe them as dark times. And it has always been...
- 12/13/2016
- Den of Geek
Kirsten Howard Oct 24, 2016
The singer has been chatting with Simon Mayo about his unreleased Harry Potter track.
Having a commercial song that goes along with your movie is still a thing, though not as much of one as it was in the '90s when we suffered through ballad after movie-themed ballad hogging the charts for months on end. Most of us could probably die happily having never heard (Everything I Do) I Do It For You or Love Is All Around again.
See related Arrow season 5: trailer for episode 4, Penance Legends Of Tomorrow season 2: trailer heads to Feudal Japan Supergirl season 2: episode 4 trailer teases alien fight club
But back when the first two Harry Potter films were in production, Bruce Springsteen had a new ballad all set to go along with one of them - which he only recently confirmed to Den Of Geek's favourite host...
The singer has been chatting with Simon Mayo about his unreleased Harry Potter track.
Having a commercial song that goes along with your movie is still a thing, though not as much of one as it was in the '90s when we suffered through ballad after movie-themed ballad hogging the charts for months on end. Most of us could probably die happily having never heard (Everything I Do) I Do It For You or Love Is All Around again.
See related Arrow season 5: trailer for episode 4, Penance Legends Of Tomorrow season 2: trailer heads to Feudal Japan Supergirl season 2: episode 4 trailer teases alien fight club
But back when the first two Harry Potter films were in production, Bruce Springsteen had a new ballad all set to go along with one of them - which he only recently confirmed to Den Of Geek's favourite host...
- 10/24/2016
- Den of Geek
Mark Harrison Aug 5, 2016
Hello! From Armageddon to Harry Potter, we salute the screen work of Mr Jason Isaacs...
This feature contains spoilers for Event Horizon and the Harry Potter films. This spoiler warning contains spoilers for the list.
Hello to Jason Isaacs! Through roles in an impressive array of movies, from indies to massive blockbusters on both sides of the pond, he's become one of our favourite character actors. We've found that no matter how the film turns out, you can guarantee that if he's in it, his performance is going to be one of the highlights.
Off-screen, Isaacs has a whole other profile of popularity. Out of several prominent celebrity fans of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's film review show on BBC Radio 5 Live, he's the patron saint of their “church of Wittertainment”, and “hello to Jason Isaacs” is the show's first, most popular catchphrase.
Some might argue...
Hello! From Armageddon to Harry Potter, we salute the screen work of Mr Jason Isaacs...
This feature contains spoilers for Event Horizon and the Harry Potter films. This spoiler warning contains spoilers for the list.
Hello to Jason Isaacs! Through roles in an impressive array of movies, from indies to massive blockbusters on both sides of the pond, he's become one of our favourite character actors. We've found that no matter how the film turns out, you can guarantee that if he's in it, his performance is going to be one of the highlights.
Off-screen, Isaacs has a whole other profile of popularity. Out of several prominent celebrity fans of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's film review show on BBC Radio 5 Live, he's the patron saint of their “church of Wittertainment”, and “hello to Jason Isaacs” is the show's first, most popular catchphrase.
Some might argue...
- 8/3/2016
- Den of Geek
Rob Leane Aug 18, 2016
Rob took a look at the best and worst prices from the UK’s cinema chains and independent picture palaces...
While you might have expected the rise of online distribution (and the lessened need for film fans to ever leave the house) to encourage cinemas to lower their prices in a bid to snare more punters, in many places the opposite seems to have happened, with multiplex prices continuing to increase around the country.
I took a trawl online to look at all the major chains and some smaller indies, with the aim of seeing where the cheapest tickets reside and uncovering the best ways to save dosh without sacrificing the magic of the cinema-going experience.
As a bit of a disclaimer: I'm very aware that ticket prices at major cinema chains vary a lot between regions. There is as much as a £5 difference for the exact...
Rob took a look at the best and worst prices from the UK’s cinema chains and independent picture palaces...
While you might have expected the rise of online distribution (and the lessened need for film fans to ever leave the house) to encourage cinemas to lower their prices in a bid to snare more punters, in many places the opposite seems to have happened, with multiplex prices continuing to increase around the country.
I took a trawl online to look at all the major chains and some smaller indies, with the aim of seeing where the cheapest tickets reside and uncovering the best ways to save dosh without sacrificing the magic of the cinema-going experience.
As a bit of a disclaimer: I'm very aware that ticket prices at major cinema chains vary a lot between regions. There is as much as a £5 difference for the exact...
- 8/2/2016
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Published Date Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 05:09
When Steven Spielberg came to make his film of Minority Report, the instruction he gave to his production designers was to make use of existing buildings and make them just look a little older. That, just because the story was set in the future, he reasoned we still lived in buildings 100 years old, and that ethos wouldn’t be any different in many decades time.
Simon Mayo’s latest novel, Blame, utilises a similar approach. The world he sets his slightly futuristic story in is eerily familiar, probably even more so than when he started writing the book. He uses familiar names and locations. He has a tootle down the motorway at one point. There’s much of modern Britain here, just framed from a slightly different angle.
We’re in a dystopia of sorts, where society’s thirsting for scapegoats and...
When Steven Spielberg came to make his film of Minority Report, the instruction he gave to his production designers was to make use of existing buildings and make them just look a little older. That, just because the story was set in the future, he reasoned we still lived in buildings 100 years old, and that ethos wouldn’t be any different in many decades time.
Simon Mayo’s latest novel, Blame, utilises a similar approach. The world he sets his slightly futuristic story in is eerily familiar, probably even more so than when he started writing the book. He uses familiar names and locations. He has a tootle down the motorway at one point. There’s much of modern Britain here, just framed from a slightly different angle.
We’re in a dystopia of sorts, where society’s thirsting for scapegoats and...
- 7/20/2016
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Jul 21, 2016
Simon Mayo chats to us about writing, the importance of Stephen King, politics, Blame, and Basil Exposition...
Simon Mayo is a man of many talents. To cinema folk, he's one of the two voices behind Wittertainment, the BBC's flagship film programme (wassup, etc). To others, he plays choice songs on Radio 2. To me: he was also chairman of Melchester Rovers. And to a growing number of people, he's the author of some really fine works of fiction.
His latest, Blame, sees him heading into the world of Young Adult. And over a hot drink (him: civilised green tea, me: coffee caffeine rocket fuel concoction, no biscuits) we had a chat about what could almost be an accidental shift into non-fiction...
The last time I interviewed you I messed up my opening question when I tried to follow the Simon Mayo interview handbook, but I think I’ve got this nailed now.
Simon Mayo chats to us about writing, the importance of Stephen King, politics, Blame, and Basil Exposition...
Simon Mayo is a man of many talents. To cinema folk, he's one of the two voices behind Wittertainment, the BBC's flagship film programme (wassup, etc). To others, he plays choice songs on Radio 2. To me: he was also chairman of Melchester Rovers. And to a growing number of people, he's the author of some really fine works of fiction.
His latest, Blame, sees him heading into the world of Young Adult. And over a hot drink (him: civilised green tea, me: coffee caffeine rocket fuel concoction, no biscuits) we had a chat about what could almost be an accidental shift into non-fiction...
The last time I interviewed you I messed up my opening question when I tried to follow the Simon Mayo interview handbook, but I think I’ve got this nailed now.
- 7/19/2016
- Den of Geek
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Can you help us spread a video, to let people on the wrong side of fortune know that others are on their side?
We're keenly aware that, whilst our Geeks Vs Loneliness columns on this site reach a good number of people, that there are many more people out there. People who may be having a tough time, or on the wrong side of fortune.
We're thus trying something a bit different to try and reach as many people as we can. With the help of some amazing people, who have donated their time for free, we've put together this short video. Let's show you that first, before we ask a favour of you...
Bluntly, we need your help. Can you help spread the word of this video for us? We're not, to be clear, trying to get website hits - the separate YouTube URL is below...
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Can you help us spread a video, to let people on the wrong side of fortune know that others are on their side?
We're keenly aware that, whilst our Geeks Vs Loneliness columns on this site reach a good number of people, that there are many more people out there. People who may be having a tough time, or on the wrong side of fortune.
We're thus trying something a bit different to try and reach as many people as we can. With the help of some amazing people, who have donated their time for free, we've put together this short video. Let's show you that first, before we ask a favour of you...
Bluntly, we need your help. Can you help spread the word of this video for us? We're not, to be clear, trying to get website hits - the separate YouTube URL is below...
- 12/22/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
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Looking for good books about the movies to read? We've got a bumper selection of recommendations right here...
A confession. I actually started writing this article in 2013, and the reason you've only reading it now is that I've made sure I've read every book on this list, save for one or two where I've marked otherwise. As such, what you're getting is a very personal list of recommendations. Each of these books has at least something to it that I think is of interest to someone wanting to learn more about film - or just enjoy stories of movie making.
I've tended to avoid picture books, with one exception, as these ones I've chosen are all intended to be chock-full of words, to relax with at the end of a long day. Which is what I did. There are one or two notable omissions, as I'm still...
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Looking for good books about the movies to read? We've got a bumper selection of recommendations right here...
A confession. I actually started writing this article in 2013, and the reason you've only reading it now is that I've made sure I've read every book on this list, save for one or two where I've marked otherwise. As such, what you're getting is a very personal list of recommendations. Each of these books has at least something to it that I think is of interest to someone wanting to learn more about film - or just enjoy stories of movie making.
I've tended to avoid picture books, with one exception, as these ones I've chosen are all intended to be chock-full of words, to relax with at the end of a long day. Which is what I did. There are one or two notable omissions, as I'm still...
- 12/10/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
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The Movie Doctors is more than Wittertainment jumping from the airwaves to the printed page. Here's our review...
How do you write a review about The Movie Doctors, by Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode? Well, you just…, ah I suspect many of you got there first.
And if you did, this is your book. A fascinating, broad and beautifully presented collection of arguments, articles, diagrams and disputes that leap from the airwaves of Wittertainment (aka The Kermode & Mayo Film Review on Radio 5 Live/Radio Five/Five Live/we keep forgetting what they're officially called these days) and onto the printed page, there’s plenty that others could learn from this.
For in an era where books for fans of things have a habit of taking that audience for granted, that’s absolutely what The Movie Doctors doesn’t do. Running to over 300 pages, and with sky-high production values,...
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The Movie Doctors is more than Wittertainment jumping from the airwaves to the printed page. Here's our review...
How do you write a review about The Movie Doctors, by Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode? Well, you just…, ah I suspect many of you got there first.
And if you did, this is your book. A fascinating, broad and beautifully presented collection of arguments, articles, diagrams and disputes that leap from the airwaves of Wittertainment (aka The Kermode & Mayo Film Review on Radio 5 Live/Radio Five/Five Live/we keep forgetting what they're officially called these days) and onto the printed page, there’s plenty that others could learn from this.
For in an era where books for fans of things have a habit of taking that audience for granted, that’s absolutely what The Movie Doctors doesn’t do. Running to over 300 pages, and with sky-high production values,...
- 12/4/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
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From their Movie Doctors book, to the mighty George Of The Jungle, we chat with Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode…
Fans of Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode’s film review programme (us included) may have noticed that the pair have been touring the past few weeks. Their Movie Doctors events have brought their on-air movie chats to venues around the UK. And there’s the small matter of a brand new book, that they’ve authored together.
We got to chat to Simon and Mark about it. And here’s how it went...
I was thinking that if I was as good as Simon Mayo, I’d have a really good opening question that would relax you both, and get you to explain a bit about your book. In lieu of me being that good, could you do that bit for me?
Mark Kermode: [Laughs]
Simon Mayo...
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From their Movie Doctors book, to the mighty George Of The Jungle, we chat with Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode…
Fans of Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode’s film review programme (us included) may have noticed that the pair have been touring the past few weeks. Their Movie Doctors events have brought their on-air movie chats to venues around the UK. And there’s the small matter of a brand new book, that they’ve authored together.
We got to chat to Simon and Mark about it. And here’s how it went...
I was thinking that if I was as good as Simon Mayo, I’d have a really good opening question that would relax you both, and get you to explain a bit about your book. In lieu of me being that good, could you do that bit for me?
Mark Kermode: [Laughs]
Simon Mayo...
- 12/2/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
In an interview with BBC Radio 2's Simon Mayo on Tuesday, J.K. Rowling revealed that, while she has enjoyed writing as Robert Galbraith very much, she still has plans to publish under her own name in the future. "'I'm not going to give you an absolute date because things are busy enough," she says, but when it comes to becoming J.K. Rowling again, she has plenty of options: "I have so many ideas. I have written part of a children's book that I really love, so there will be another children's book. And I have ideas for other adult books ... I sometimes worry I'll die before I've written them all out. That's my mid-life crisis." Rowling did not reveal whether those stories were about the Boy Wizard Who Must Not Be Named, but she did offer a hint of her feelings when discussing the upcoming play Harry Potter and...
- 11/3/2015
- by Nate Jones
- Vulture
Passionate, opinionated and never afraid to rip a terrible movie to shreds (we're looking at you, Entourage), Mark Kermode has built up a devoted following thanks to his weekly BBC Radio 5 live film review show with Simon Mayo.
Now Kermode will be the face of BFI Player+, selecting and introducing hidden gems and new releases for the on-demand service's Kermode Recommends series.
A champion of all things horror, we caught up with Kermode to get five recommendations for Halloween viewing. If these films frightened the life out of The Good Doctor, who knows what they'll do to the rest of us?
The Exorcist (1973)
"The thing with The Exorcist, which is my favourite film of all time, is that it still stands up to this day. The classic thing about it is exactly what [director] William Friedkin said, which is it's a film that gives to you what you bring to it.
Now Kermode will be the face of BFI Player+, selecting and introducing hidden gems and new releases for the on-demand service's Kermode Recommends series.
A champion of all things horror, we caught up with Kermode to get five recommendations for Halloween viewing. If these films frightened the life out of The Good Doctor, who knows what they'll do to the rest of us?
The Exorcist (1973)
"The thing with The Exorcist, which is my favourite film of all time, is that it still stands up to this day. The classic thing about it is exactly what [director] William Friedkin said, which is it's a film that gives to you what you bring to it.
- 10/31/2015
- Digital Spy
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Speaking to Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo, Spectre director Sam Mendes has talked about trying to top Skyfall and avoiding reviews…
Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo recorded a special Spectre edition of their BBC Radio 5 Live podcast today, at the Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester Square.
As well as a surprise appearance from Andrew Scott and a pre-recorded video interview with Daniel Craig, they were also joined by the director Sam Mendes for a hefty 20 minutes of chat. Soon after revealing that he doesn’t remember meeting Jason Isaacs at a New Year's Eve party, Mendes was asked what he thought of the critical reception Spectre has had so far. Many reviewers, ours included, have heaped praise on his second James Bond effort. How does this make him feel?
“Relieved,” he admitted. “Because everyone walking around the corridors at the press junket are smiling, which is always a good sign.
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Speaking to Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo, Spectre director Sam Mendes has talked about trying to top Skyfall and avoiding reviews…
Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo recorded a special Spectre edition of their BBC Radio 5 Live podcast today, at the Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester Square.
As well as a surprise appearance from Andrew Scott and a pre-recorded video interview with Daniel Craig, they were also joined by the director Sam Mendes for a hefty 20 minutes of chat. Soon after revealing that he doesn’t remember meeting Jason Isaacs at a New Year's Eve party, Mendes was asked what he thought of the critical reception Spectre has had so far. Many reviewers, ours included, have heaped praise on his second James Bond effort. How does this make him feel?
“Relieved,” he admitted. “Because everyone walking around the corridors at the press junket are smiling, which is always a good sign.
- 10/23/2015
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
James Bond works well under the pressure of a ticking clock, and seemingly Spectre director Sam Mendes does too.
Speaking at a live recording of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's Radio 5 Live film podcast, Mendes revealed he was still editing Spectre last Saturday (October 17), just four days before the film's first screening.
"I was staring at a particular shot right at the beginning of the movie, as Bond and a girl are entering an elevator," Mendes explained, referring to the four-and-a-half-minute tracking shot which opens the film.
"I felt it was glitching because I'd sped up the shot, and there in fact were a couple of tiny glitches in the VFX rendering of that shot.
"It was weirdly the same timescale as Skyfall, where I finished it on the Saturday and the press screening was on a Wednesday."
Spectre is released in the UK on Monday (October 26) and in...
Speaking at a live recording of Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's Radio 5 Live film podcast, Mendes revealed he was still editing Spectre last Saturday (October 17), just four days before the film's first screening.
"I was staring at a particular shot right at the beginning of the movie, as Bond and a girl are entering an elevator," Mendes explained, referring to the four-and-a-half-minute tracking shot which opens the film.
"I felt it was glitching because I'd sped up the shot, and there in fact were a couple of tiny glitches in the VFX rendering of that shot.
"It was weirdly the same timescale as Skyfall, where I finished it on the Saturday and the press screening was on a Wednesday."
Spectre is released in the UK on Monday (October 26) and in...
- 10/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode’s BBC Radio 5 Live film review show is perhaps the UK’s most influential. As they launch a book dispensing moviegoing advice, the pair bicker about what makes the show work
Simon Mayo, the radio presenter, and Mark Kermode, the film critic, live together in a knocked-through house they enter through separate front doors. Each year, they go on holiday with their wives, “Good Lady Potter” – Mrs Mayo, Hilary, a ceramicist – and “Good Lady Professor Her Indoors” – Mrs Kermode, Linda Ruth Williams, a professor of film studies – and their children. Sometimes, on these trips, Kermode and Mayo wear matching jumpers and one of their favourite activities is tramping, that is, jumping on a trampoline.
The pair also host an annual cruise for fans of their weekly Radio 5 Live show, Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review, and hand-picked guests: recent attendees have included actors Michael Sheen,...
Simon Mayo, the radio presenter, and Mark Kermode, the film critic, live together in a knocked-through house they enter through separate front doors. Each year, they go on holiday with their wives, “Good Lady Potter” – Mrs Mayo, Hilary, a ceramicist – and “Good Lady Professor Her Indoors” – Mrs Kermode, Linda Ruth Williams, a professor of film studies – and their children. Sometimes, on these trips, Kermode and Mayo wear matching jumpers and one of their favourite activities is tramping, that is, jumping on a trampoline.
The pair also host an annual cruise for fans of their weekly Radio 5 Live show, Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review, and hand-picked guests: recent attendees have included actors Michael Sheen,...
- 10/11/2015
- by Tim Lewis
- The Guardian - Film News
Why Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's film review programme is an unmissable weekly listen for movie fans...
Here's an exchange between Mark Kermode (bold) and Simon Mayo (italics) that took place on Friday 21st August 2015, as part of Kermode & Mayo's Film Review programme. For the purpose of context, this conversation was initially sparked by the film Sinister 2. A film that, despite the words that follow, Mr Kermode wasn't keen on.
"I like anything that involves Super 8 movies, and the idea of cameras, and the lacing up of projectors. There's something very... almost erotic about lacing up a projector."
"No there's not."
"There is."
"No there isn't."
"I'm sorry, there's..."
"What is erotic about lacing up a camera?"
"I can't explain it..."
"Well."
"There's a frisson. The way the celluloid goes through the sprockets."
"Is it to do with sprockets and holes? Is that what you're talking about?"
"No!
Here's an exchange between Mark Kermode (bold) and Simon Mayo (italics) that took place on Friday 21st August 2015, as part of Kermode & Mayo's Film Review programme. For the purpose of context, this conversation was initially sparked by the film Sinister 2. A film that, despite the words that follow, Mr Kermode wasn't keen on.
"I like anything that involves Super 8 movies, and the idea of cameras, and the lacing up of projectors. There's something very... almost erotic about lacing up a projector."
"No there's not."
"There is."
"No there isn't."
"I'm sorry, there's..."
"What is erotic about lacing up a camera?"
"I can't explain it..."
"Well."
"There's a frisson. The way the celluloid goes through the sprockets."
"Is it to do with sprockets and holes? Is that what you're talking about?"
"No!
- 9/7/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
During the press for “Trainwreck,” Amy Schumer said she had initially written a different movie for Judd Apatow that the writer/director/producer had essentially turned down. Not because it was bad, but he felt it wasn’t quite personal. On the recent BBC 5 Live Podcast with Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo, Schumer teased a little bit of what that film was, saying it was too “concepty” for Apatow. The comedian admitted she was trying to appeal to Apatow and had written something that included a character that could be Judd’s wife and included his teenage daughters too. Apatow had actually wanted the personal Amy Schumer story instead and thus “Trainwreck” was born. “I was just trying to do it right, which was a mistake with writing a movie I thought Judd would make. I like, wrote his daughters and wife into it,” she laughed during the podcast (which...
- 8/19/2015
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Mark Kermode has delivered a signature rant on his and Simon Mayo's 5 Live film programme - this time at the expense of Entourage.
Needless to say, the big screen adaption of the HBO TV series doesn't come off well.
Transformers to Sex and the City: Watch 10 of Mark Kermode's greatest rants
Kermode said: "It's no surprise - I do hate it, I hate it. I loathe it, I despise it, I detest it, I feel contempt for it. Everything about it rattles every one of my cages.
"This is absolutely the most loathsome consumerist male dream. I absolutely detest everything about the mindset that this film occupies.
"It's just this pornographic, consumerist, hate-filled piece of propaganda which says this is what you should aspire to... this level of utter vacuity, this foul, soul-sucking, horrible vacuum of vile emptiness is what you should aspire to. And you wait...
Needless to say, the big screen adaption of the HBO TV series doesn't come off well.
Transformers to Sex and the City: Watch 10 of Mark Kermode's greatest rants
Kermode said: "It's no surprise - I do hate it, I hate it. I loathe it, I despise it, I detest it, I feel contempt for it. Everything about it rattles every one of my cages.
"This is absolutely the most loathsome consumerist male dream. I absolutely detest everything about the mindset that this film occupies.
"It's just this pornographic, consumerist, hate-filled piece of propaganda which says this is what you should aspire to... this level of utter vacuity, this foul, soul-sucking, horrible vacuum of vile emptiness is what you should aspire to. And you wait...
- 6/19/2015
- Digital Spy
Simon Mayo has said that Chris Evans is not doing Top Gear for the money.
Evans has replaced Jeremy Clarkson as the main presenter of the show and is reported to have become one of the BBC's highest earners.
"Who knows what the truth of it is? As far as Chris is concerned he doesn't care," Mayo told Digital Spy of reports about Evans's salary.
"He's not doing anything for money. He does stuff he's interested in. I have absolutely no idea at all, I just read what I see in the papers.
"It's a big hit worldwide, I imagine that's [BBC Worldwide] where it's all going to come from. To be honest, I haven't got much interest."
He added of Evans winning the role: "It's an obvious one for him - he is and always was the perfect choice.
"He was always the guy who had the enthusiasm about cars and...
Evans has replaced Jeremy Clarkson as the main presenter of the show and is reported to have become one of the BBC's highest earners.
"Who knows what the truth of it is? As far as Chris is concerned he doesn't care," Mayo told Digital Spy of reports about Evans's salary.
"He's not doing anything for money. He does stuff he's interested in. I have absolutely no idea at all, I just read what I see in the papers.
"It's a big hit worldwide, I imagine that's [BBC Worldwide] where it's all going to come from. To be honest, I haven't got much interest."
He added of Evans winning the role: "It's an obvious one for him - he is and always was the perfect choice.
"He was always the guy who had the enthusiasm about cars and...
- 6/19/2015
- Digital Spy
After the success of their 2013 contest, BBC Radio 5 live duo Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo have announced the next run of their Well Done U competition.
This year, Mark and Simon are joined by Belle director Amma Asante in picking the winning film - which must be less than two minutes long and eligible for a U certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.
Simon got in touch with us to talk about this year's Well Done U contest, which is open to filmmakers as young as 13. We also grabbed his thoughts on fellow BBC radio types Nick Grimshaw and Chris Evans's latest job announcements.
How does the judging work - will Mark pull rank as a professional critic or do you point out he's just a contributor?
"There's a sifting process that will be done by the production team, so everything will be watched... they'll come up...
This year, Mark and Simon are joined by Belle director Amma Asante in picking the winning film - which must be less than two minutes long and eligible for a U certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.
Simon got in touch with us to talk about this year's Well Done U contest, which is open to filmmakers as young as 13. We also grabbed his thoughts on fellow BBC radio types Nick Grimshaw and Chris Evans's latest job announcements.
How does the judging work - will Mark pull rank as a professional critic or do you point out he's just a contributor?
"There's a sifting process that will be done by the production team, so everything will be watched... they'll come up...
- 6/19/2015
- Digital Spy
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