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Tag: Avengers

  • &flix turns up the heat with summer blockbusters

    &flix turns up the heat with summer blockbusters

    MUMBAI: As India battles the second wave of a Covid2019, and people are at odds and ends while sheltering in place, &flix hopes to entertain viewers with its summer line-up of movies. With ‘Flix Summer Time’, the channel has lined up a slew of blockbuster movies every day starting 11.30 AM in May. 

    Hotel Transylvania is one of the movies that will be screened in ‘Flix Summer Time’. Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, this animated film’s voice cast includes Hollywood biggies like Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and Selena Gomez in the lead roles. 

    Another animated movie that will be screened on &flix is The Emoji Movie, which revolves around the story of Gene, a multi-expression emoji, who gets sentenced to be deleted after he messes up a message. 

    &flix will also showcase superhits like The Amazing Spiderman, Avengers: Infinity War, Zathura: A Space Adventure, and Ghostbusters in the ‘Flix Summer Time’ package. 

  • Marvel’s Ant-Man to air on Star Movies

    Marvel’s Ant-Man to air on Star Movies

    MUMBAI: Star Movies brings to its viewers an opportunity to watch a blockbuster hit which has ascertained the fact that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes. Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Ant-Man is from the renowned studios that has delivered several blockbuster franchises such as Iron Man, Avengers, Thor & Captain America. Ant-Man with a strong ensemble cast and a hint of fun and comedy premieres first time on television on Star Movies on 11 September at 1 pm and 9 pm.

    Marvel’s Ant-Man is about a S.H.I.E.L.D scientist Dr. Henry ‘hank’ pym who created the ant-man suit with “pym particle” which allows its user to alter his size. Scott Lang, an expert thief, is handpicked by Dr. Pym to take the charge as ant-man. Lang must learn the capabilities of the suit to help defend the world using ant-man’s shrinking technology and pull off a heist that unlike its other superhero counterparts.

    Produced by Marvel Studios, ant-man has made becoming smaller cool with a worldwide collection of over $ 500 million. This fast paced and entertaining movie with special effects and humor has made Ant-Man another feat in the list of marvel’s success stories.

  • Marvel’s Ant-Man to air on Star Movies

    Marvel’s Ant-Man to air on Star Movies

    MUMBAI: Star Movies brings to its viewers an opportunity to watch a blockbuster hit which has ascertained the fact that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes. Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Ant-Man is from the renowned studios that has delivered several blockbuster franchises such as Iron Man, Avengers, Thor & Captain America. Ant-Man with a strong ensemble cast and a hint of fun and comedy premieres first time on television on Star Movies on 11 September at 1 pm and 9 pm.

    Marvel’s Ant-Man is about a S.H.I.E.L.D scientist Dr. Henry ‘hank’ pym who created the ant-man suit with “pym particle” which allows its user to alter his size. Scott Lang, an expert thief, is handpicked by Dr. Pym to take the charge as ant-man. Lang must learn the capabilities of the suit to help defend the world using ant-man’s shrinking technology and pull off a heist that unlike its other superhero counterparts.

    Produced by Marvel Studios, ant-man has made becoming smaller cool with a worldwide collection of over $ 500 million. This fast paced and entertaining movie with special effects and humor has made Ant-Man another feat in the list of marvel’s success stories.

  • FY-2015: Disney revenue up 7.5%; net income up 11.7%

    FY-2015: Disney revenue up 7.5%; net income up 11.7%

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc reported 7.5 per cent YoY increase in consolidated revenue at $52,465 million for the year ended 3 October, 2015 (FY-2015, current year) as compared to the $48.813 million reported for the year ended 27 September, 2014 (FY-2014, previous year). Net income in the current year increased 11.7 per cent YoY to $8.382 million from $7,501 million.

     

    “We had a strong quarter, with adjusted EPS up 35 per cent, completing our fifth consecutive year of record performance. In Fiscal 2015 we delivered the highest revenue, net income and adjusted EPS in the Company’s history, reflecting the power of our great brands and franchises, the quality of our creative content, and our relentless innovation to maximize value from emerging technologies,” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A Iger.

     

    For the quarter ended 3 October, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter), consolidated revenue increased 9.1 per cent YoY to $13.512 million as compared to $12,389 million in the quarter ended 27 September, 2014 (Q4-2014). Net Income in Q4-2015 increased 7.3 per cent to $1,609 million as compared to $1,499 million.

     

    Segment Results

     

    Four of the five Disney’s segments – Media Works, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment and Consumer Products reported growth in revenue in FY-2015 and Q4-2015 as compared to FY-2014 and Q4-2014 respectively, while the fifth segment – Interactive – reported decline in revenues. However, all the five segments reported growth in segment operating income in the current year and quarter as compared to the previous year and year ago quarter respectively.

     

    Media Networks

     

    Media Networks revenue in FY-2015 increased 10 per cent to $23,264 million from $21,152 million in the previous year. Segment Operating income increased 6.4 per cent in the current year to $7,793 million as compared to $7,321 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter increased 11.7 per cent YoY to $5,286 million from $5,217 million. Operating income for the segment increased 26.6 per cent YoY to $1,819 million from $1,437 million.

     

    Disney says that Operating income growth at Media Networks was driven by higher affiliate fees, increased advertising revenue at ESPN and the ABC Television Network and higher operating income from program sales. These increases were partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs at ESPN and, to a lesser extent, the Disney Channels and the ABC Television Network.

     

    Two sub-segments contribute to Disney’s Media Networks – Cable Networks and Broadcasting.

     

    Cable Networks

     

    Cable Networks revenue in FY-2015 increased 9.7 per cent to $16,581million from $15,110 million in the previous year. Segment Operating income increased 4.9 per cent in the current year to $6,787 million as compared to $6,467 million in FY-2014.

     

    The sub-segments revenue in the current quarter increased 12.4 per cent YoY to $4,245 million from $3,776 million. Operating income for the sub- segment increased 29.8 per cent YoY to $1,655 million from $1,275 million.

     

    For Q4-2014, Disney says that Operating income at Cable Networks increased due to an increase at ESPN and, to a lesser extent, A&E Television Networks (A&E) and the Disney Channels. The increase at ESPN reflected higher affiliate and advertising revenues, partially offset by an increase in programming costs. Affiliate revenue growth was driven by contractual rate increases and an increase in subscribers. The increase in subscribers was due to a full quarter of the SEC Network, which launched in August 2014, partially offset by a decline in subscribers at certain of Disney’s networks.

     

    Growth in advertising revenue reflected higher units sold, partially offset by lower ratings. Higher programming costs reflected a full quarter for the SEC Network, additional rights for the US Open Tennis tournament and contractual rate increases for Major League Baseball and NFL rights, partially offset by the absence of rights costs for NASCAR.

     

    Higher equity income from A&E was due to lower programming and marketing costs, partially offset by lower advertising and affiliate revenue. The increase at Disney Channels was driven by higher affiliate revenues, partially offset by higher programming costs. Affiliate revenue growth reflected contractual rate increases domestically and subscriber growth internationally. The programming cost increase was driven by higher costs for original programming, including more hours of new series in the current quarter.

     

    Broadcasting

     

    Cable Networks revenue in FY-2015 increased 10.6 per cent to $6,683 million from $6,042 million in the previous year. Segment Operating income increased 17.8 per cent in the current year to $1,006 million as compared to $854 million in FY-2014.

     

    The sub-segments revenue in the current quarter increased 9.7 per cent YoY to $1,581 million from $1,441 million. Operating income for the sub-segment was flat YoY to $164 million from $163 million.

     

    For Q4-2014, Disney says that growth in advertising and affiliate revenue was offset by higher programming costs, lower operating income from program sales, an equity loss from Hulu and higher marketing costs for the fall season launch. The increase in advertising revenue reflected higher units sold, including the benefit of the extra week of operations, and higher rates. Affiliate revenue growth was due to contractual rate increases and new contractual provisions. Higher programming costs reflected the impact of an additional week of operations. Lower operating income from program sales was driven by an increase in cost amortisation and lower sales. Program sales reflected decreases for My Wife and Kids and America’s Funniest Home Videos, partially offset by the sale of How to Get Away with Murder in the current quarter. The equity loss from Hulu was due to higher content and marketing costs.

     

    Parks & Resorts

     

    Parks and Resorts segment revenue in the current year increased seven per cent to $16,162 million as compared to the $15,099 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 13.8 per cent in the current year to $3,301 million as compared to $2,663 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter increased 10.1 per cent YoY to $4,361 million from $3,960 million. Operating income for the segment increased 7.4 per cent YoY to $738 million from $687 million.

     

    Growth at Parks and Resorts was driven by Disney’s domestic operations due to higher average guest spending, attendance and occupancy, partially offset by increased costs driven by inflation and volumes. Results at Disney’s international parks and resorts operations reflected lower attendance and occupancy at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and higher pre-opening expenses at Shanghai Disney Resort.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    Studio Entertainment segment revenue in the current year increased 1.2 per cent to $7,366 million as compared to the $7,278 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 27.4 per cent in the current year to $1,973 million as compared to $1,549 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter was flat (increased 0.3 per cent) YoY to $1,783 million from $1,778 million. Operating income for the segment more than doubled (2.09 times) YoY to $530 million from $254 million.

     

    At Studio Entertainment, operating income growth was due to a higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment reflecting the success of Frozen merchandise, an increase in television distribution revenue and higher domestic theatrical results. This growth was partially offset by a decline in home entertainment units sold reflecting the success of Frozen in the prior year.

     

    For Q4-2015, Disney says that Operating income growth was due to increased TV/SVOD distribution results, lower film cost impairments, improved theatrical results and a higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment. These increases were partially offset by lower home entertainment results.

     

    The increase in TV/SVOD distribution was driven by a lower average production cost amortisation rate, the timing of title availabilities in international pay and domestic free television markets as well as SVOD revenue growth internationally. Lower production cost amortisation reflected a higher sales mix of catalogue titles in the current quarter.

     

    Operating income growth in theatrical distribution was driven by the performance of Inside Out and Ant-Man in the current quarter compared to Guardians of the Galaxy, Maleficent and no Pixar title in the prior-year quarter. Theatrical distribution revenues were lower in the current quarter as the prior-year quarter also included Planes: Fire and Rescue and The Hundred-Foot Journey, whereas the current year included no Disney feature animation or DreamWorks titles in release. Increased revenue share was due to the performance of Frozen merchandise in the current quarter.

     

    The decrease in home entertainment was due to lower net effective pricing and unit sales reflecting the prior-year quarter performance of Frozen internationally and Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier worldwide, partially offset by Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and Cinderella in the current quarter. These decreases were partially offset by lower per unit costs as well as decreased marketing spending in the current quarter.

     

    Consumer Products

     

    Consumer Products segment revenue in the current year increased 12.9 per cent to $4,499 million as compared to the $3,985 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 29.2 per cent in the current year to $1,752 million as compared to $1,356 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter increased 11.5 per cent YoY to $1,195 million from $1,072 million. Operating income for the segment increased 9.8 per cent YoY to $416 million from $379 million.

     

    Consumer Products operating income growth was due to higher merchandise licensing revenue reflecting the strength of Frozen, Avengers and Star Wars Classic merchandise.

     

    Interactive

     

    Interactive segment revenue in the current year reduced 9.6 per cent to $1,174 million as compared to the $1,299 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 13.8 per cent in the current year to $132 million as compared to $116 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter reduced 4.1 per cent YoY to $347 million from $362 million. Operating income for the segment increased 72.2 per cent YoY to $31 million from $18 million.

     

    Interactive growth was driven by the ongoing success of the Tsum Tsum mobile game and lower product development and marketing costs, primarily at Disney’s mobile businesses, partially offset by lower operating income from Disney Infinity console games.

  • Disney’s Q2-2015 revenue up 7%, income up 10%

    Disney’s Q2-2015 revenue up 7%, income up 10%

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc reported an increase of seven per cent in its revenue in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 28 March, 2015, current quarter) to $12461 million from $11649 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Net income during the current quarter improved 10 per cent to $2108 million from $1917 million reported for the quarter ended 27 March, 2014 (Q2-2014).

     

    Of the five segments that add to Disney’s numbers, three – Media Networks, Parks & Resorts and Consumer Products showed improvement in revenue, while the other two – Studio Entertainment and Interactive segments showed decline in revenues. Segment Operating Income from three – Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products, and Interactive increased, while segment operating income from Media Networks and Studio Entertainment declined in Q2-2015 as compared to Q2-2014.

     

    “Our second quarter performance, marked by increased revenue, net income and EPS of US 1.23, demonstrates the incredible ability of our strong brands and quality content to drive results. The power of this winning combination is once again reflected in the phenomenal worldwide success of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, which has opened at number one in every market so far,” said Disney chairman and chief executive officer Robert A Iger.

     

     

    Segment Results

     

    Media Networks

     

     

    Media Networks revenues for the current quarter improved 13 per cent to $5810 million from $5134 million reported for Q2-2014. Operating Income from this segment declined two per cent to $2101 million in Q2-2015 from $2133 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Two sub-segments – Cable Networks, and Broadcasting contribute to this segment.

     

    Cable Networks reported a growth of 11 per cent in revenue to $4030 million in Q2-2015 from $3633 million in Q2-2014, but reported a drop of nine per cent in Operating Income to $1799 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1974 million in Q2-2014. The drop in income was due to a decrease at ESPN, which was driven by higher programming and production costs, partially offset by growth in affiliate and advertising revenues. Programming and production cost increases were due to higher rights costs for college football programming and the addition of an NFL wild card playoff game and the SEC Network, which was launched in August 2014.

     

    Disney says further that the increase in affiliate revenues was due to contractual rate increases, an increase in subscribers, taking into account the new SEC Network, and a reduction in revenue deferrals as a result of changes in contractual provisions related to annual programming commitments. ESPN advertising revenue growth was due to higher rates and units sold.

     

    Broadcasting reported 19 per cent hike in revenue in the current quarter to $1780 million from $1501 million and reported a massive 90 per cent increase in operating income to $302 million from $159 million in the corresponding quarter of last year due to growth in affiliate fees, higher program sales and an increase in advertising revenues. These increases were partially offset by higher marketing costs for the launch of new series.

     

    Parks and Resorts

     

    Parks and Resorts reported a growth of six per cent in revenue to $3760 million from $3562 million in the corresponding year ago quarter and a 24 per cent increase in Q2-2015 operating income to $566 million from $457 million in Q2-2014. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to an increase at Disney’s domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at its international operations.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    Studio Entertainment reported decline in revenue to $1685 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1800 million in Q2-2014, and segment operating income decreased 10 per cent to $427 million from $475 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Lower operating income was driven by decreases in domestic home entertainment and international theatrical distribution, partially offset by a higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment, reflecting performance of Frozen merchandise in the current quarter, and lower film cost impairments. The decreases in domestic home entertainment and international theatrical distribution both reflected the performance of ‘Big Hero 6’ in the current quarter compared to Frozen in the prior-year quarter

     

    Consumer Products

     

    Consumer Products Q2-2015 revenue increased 10 per cent to $971 million from $885 million in Q2-2014 and operating income improved 32 per cent to $362 million from $274 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Higher operating income was primarily due to an increase at Disney’s Merchandise Licensing business due to the performance of merchandise based on Frozen and, to a lesser extent, The Avengers.

     

    Interactive

     

    Revenue from this segment fell 12 per cent to $235 million in Q2-2015 from $268 million in Q2-2014, but segment operating income increased 86 per cent to $26 million from $14 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Improved operating results were due to lower marketing and product development costs and the success of its mobile game Tsum Tsum, partially offset by lower ‘Disney Infinity’ performance and decreased sales of mobile game catalogue titles due to fewer titles in release. Lower marketing and product development costs were driven by fewer mobile game titles in development and the benefit of previous restructuring activities.

  • ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’ nets Rs 36 crore in opening weekend

    ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’ nets Rs 36 crore in opening weekend

    MUMBAI: Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron is on its path to break box office records with a record-breaking three day opening collections.

     

    Trade and industry expert sources claim that the film, which opened to glowing critical reviews, amassed approximately a Friday opening of Rs 10.98 crores coming after unprecedented advance openings and theater bookings.

     

    Saturday’s figures were pegged at Rs11.85 crores net, and adding to the grand tally was Sunday’s collection of Rs 12.91 crores taking the total three day collections to Rs 35.74 crores.

     

    Trade experts peg this as the highest three-day Hollywood film box office collection till date in India and is almost three times bigger than 2012’s Avengers.

     

    Avengers: Age Of Ultron’s box office performance was despite it being a non-holiday weekend. The movie saw a limited release on 1500 screens across India, which is lesser than Fast and Furious 7 that released across 2500 screens.

  • ‘Avengers – Age of Ultron’ to release in India ahead of US

    ‘Avengers – Age of Ultron’ to release in India ahead of US

    MUMBAI: The next installment of Marvel’s Avengers franchise – Avengers – Age of Ultron will release in India on 24 April, 2015, which is a week earlier than its North American release.

     

    This sequel to one of the highest grossing Hollywood film of all times The Avengers (2012), will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telegu versions simultaneously along with the English version.

     

    The movie stars Robert Downey Jr.(Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Chris Evans (Captain America), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Don Cheadle (James Rhodes/War Machine), Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill), Stellan Skarsg?rd (Erik Selvig) with James Spader (Ultron) and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury).

     

    The movie will also see two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.

     

    Avengers: Age of Ultron has been written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige.

  • Zee Studio to show entire gamut of movie genre

    Zee Studio to show entire gamut of movie genre

    MUMBAI: Zee Studio with its recent rebranding has decided to take forward its previous philosophy of ‘Hollywood on Television’ to the next level with its new tagline ‘See it all’.  The channel in its bid to stand out in a cluttered environment decided to rebrand in order to provide an opportunity to Indian viewers, access to the biggest Hollywood films.

     

    Zeel vice president and business head Anurag Bedi informs, “Our positioning is unique; we are not talking about just premieres, or a certain genre of movies, but staying true to See It All. The new brand look and ideology focuses on younger audiences and we wish to create a niche audience base with the refreshed look and high quality content.”

     

    When asked what research was undertaken by the channel before deciding a makeover, Bedi says, “As a result of our research we observed certain changes in consuming pattern like popularity of Hollywood movies growing more than ever in the country. In our effort to offer best content to the viewers, we decided to renew our identity completely. The new look is even more technologically sound and the movie viewing experience is heightened.” The channel has partnerships with leading studios like Disney and Paramount.

     

    The channels target audience is young urban movie enthusiasts, primarily males, residing in the metros. The channel has seen good growth in the key metros and in the 1 million plus towns as well. It has managed to bring in new consumers from the tier II towns as well says Bedi.

     

    The channel has renewed its library with a line-up of movies from genres like action, animation and comedy. The channel had previously come up with the property ‘Death By Laughter’. The other is ‘The One Movie You Must Watch’ and has launched a property called ‘Premier Action’ showcasing a big action movie of the month. With a new look, the channel has a strong line up this October including channel premieres such as How To Train Your Dragon, Lincoln, Shrek Forever After and Shutter Island. The new look comes just ahead of the festive season. It has launched a festival property ‘Studio Dynamite’ which will include blockbusters such as Mission Impossible, Transformers, Avengers etc. In the past, Marvels The Avengers, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Transformers: Dark of the Moon have worked well for the channel.

     

    The afternoon 1 pm slot has performed well for the channel especially on the weekends where it has viewership which is comparable to the evening primetime slot according to Bedi. Larger than life movies, legendary characters and onscreen iconography will be used to leverage the popularity of some of the iconic characters and famous actors.

     

    To promote the refresh, the channel has worked out a 360 degree communication plan. This includes print ads, TV commercials, outdoor campaigns and innovative social media contests and engagement. To create visibility for the brand the channel is in the middle of a large outdoor campaign across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore which announces their new ideology.

     

    It has kept outdoor as a part of their marketing plans for their big ticket movies. A 10 feet tall Transformer model (Optimus Prime) has been placed at key locations, where one could click pictures with the model. Additionally there will be photo-booths wherein people can click pictures that can be superimposed on backgrounds from movies of their line up. As part of the campaign, Zee Studio will be reaching out to over 30 trade media agencies across these cities.

     

    On the digital front Zee Studio is promoting its refresh via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The channel is running a contest for its viewers wherein they have to answer questions while watching movies and win gadgets such as iPhones and iPads. This contest has been running for first fifteen days of the refresh. On a parting note, Bedi says that their social media presence has increased as they currently have 1.4 million fans on Facebook and over 60,000 followers on Twitter.

     

  • Robert ‘Iron Man’ Downey, Jr joins Twitter

    Robert ‘Iron Man’ Downey, Jr joins Twitter

    MUMBAI: The Iron Man himself has finally joined Twitter. With only six tweets as of now, he’s taken a dip into the social media universe. Within a couple of days, Downey has tallied 1.2 million followers. Wow, word travels fast.

    Iron Man is a billion dollar franchise for Marvel since it first introduced Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark in 2008. Worldwide the first film grossed $585 million, the second one, $623.9 million and the third, $1.2 billion. The next Marvel title for the actor is Avengers: Age of Ultron which will bow 1 May, 2015 from Disney.

    The actor has long been a strong presence on social media due to his many fans who call him #RDJ. His fans post video bits from the actor from media, on-stage award shows, red carpet appearances, and other media events showcasing the witty side.

    His opening Tweet read: Loving all the love, folks. It’s been a blast. Though can somebody please explain how anyone can keep their thoughts to 140 characters or le

    Below is the first pic that #RDJ shared with the twitterati, boy does he know how to start a party…
  • 2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    MUMBAI: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that it will profile BAFTA-winning director Amma Asante (A Way of Life, Belle) in April at the first of this year’s ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a series of showcase events hosted by BAFTA in New York and Los Angeles, in partnership with British Council, that introduce outstanding British film talent to the US film industry.

     

    On Tuesday 1 April in New York, and on Thursday 3 April in Los Angeles, director Amma Asante will be introduced at a screening of her second feature film Belle, which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival to strong reviews, and opened this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival. Belle is inspired by the true story of a mixed race girl raised as an aristocratic Lady in England around the time of the abolition of slavery. The film will be released by Fox Searchlight in the US on Friday 2 May, and in the UK on Friday 13 June.

     

    In 2005, BAFTA awarded Asante the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer for her debut film A Way of Life. She was also named Best Director – Drama at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in Wales in the same year.

     

    At each ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ event, a British actor, director, writer or producer who shows great promise presents a sample of recent work to an exclusive audience of film industry professionals. BAFTA also arranges a number of follow-up meetings for the individuals to meet with key industry figures in both cities.

     

    Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA exclaimed his delight on continuing our ‘Brits to Watch’ activity in 2014. Three years ago, with the support of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, he launched their very first ‘Brits to Watch’ event in Los Angeles. Since then, BAFTA introduced a range of activity to support up-and-coming British talent and, now in its second year, ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ – a strand that BAFTA is uniquely placed to deliver – introduces British rising stars to the US film industry. “I am thrilled that Amma Asante, a very talented film maker, and a BAFTA winner – is our next ‘Brit to Watch’.”

     

    Nigel Daly, Chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles, added: “The Brits to Watch: The Screenings series is central to BAFTA’s mission, and here in Los Angeles we are in a privileged position to offer a platform for the best British talents as they break through to the US marketplace. There is a long tradition of talent exchange between the US and UK, and we are honored to showcase the new generation of talents and support Amma as she furthers her career in the US.”

     

    Charles Tremayne, Chairman of BAFTA New York, added: “This is the second year of our Brits to Watch: The Screenings program in New York and we are delighted that we have been able to bring such talented up and coming individuals to showcase their considerable work in America. It’s a vital role for BAFTA as New York is clearly where Britain meets America so it’s even more important that we continue to encourage directors, producers, writers and actors from both sides of the pond to work together to create excellence in a truly globalized entertainment world.”

     

    Briony Hanson, Director of Film at British Council, said: “British Council is delighted to be continuing the series by showcasing the talents of Amma Asante. She’s a perfect fit for the programme having made a hugely confident second feature in Belle which marries a traditional view of British Cinema – period drama and a top notch cast – with a very unusual and surprising story. We really look forward to helping her connect with the US industry during her visit.”

     

    The first ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ events took place in 2013 with BAFTA-nominated directors Clio Barnard (The Selfish Giant) and Richard Laxton (Burton and Taylor). As a result of their trips, Barnard has secured US representation with The Gersh Agency and is in contact with a number of US producers about future projects, while Laxton is in talks on a number of US projects, one of which is expected to be announced imminently.

     

    The series builds on the legacy of BAFTA’s 2011 ‘Brits to Watch’ initiative supported by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at which BAFTA introduced 42 promising British newcomers to leading figures in the US film, television and games industries at a black-tie gala event in Los Angeles. It is endorsed by ‘Friends of Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a high-profile group of film professionals including: actors Damian Lewis (Homeland) Tom Hiddleston (Avengers Assemble, Midnight in Paris), Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Brighton Rock), Simon Pegg(Star Trek, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn), Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, Men in Black 3) and Sienna Miller (The Girl, Interview), Rebecca Hall (Parade’s End, Vicky Christina Barcelona) and David Harewood (Homeland, Blood Diamond); director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World); screenwriter John Logan (Skyfall, Hugo, The Aviator); and writer, director and producer Armando Iannucci (Veep, In The Loop).