Film and TV Charity Launches Behind The Scenes Week – Global Bulletin
CELEBRATION
The Film and TV Charity is launching a campaign to celebrate those working behind the scenes in film and TV.
The charity has designated Nov. 28-Dec. 2 as Behind the Scenes Week, during which they are asking everyone working in production, post, distribution, projection or anywhere in between to celebrate each other on social media using the hashtag #TurnTheCameraAround. They can also nominate #hiddenheroes, who have made working life more special.
More from Variety
Harvey Weinstein, Convicted Rapist, Gloats Over 'She Said' Fizzling at Box Office
'She Said' Bombs: Why Aren't Awards Season Movies Resonating With Audiences?
Over 35 U.K. organizations have already thrown their weight behind the campaign, including Aardman, Banijay, Disney, Framestore and Warner Bros Studios Leavesden.
“With Behind The Scenes Week we want the industry to take a moment to look around, and to cheer and thank each other for the amazing contributions each and everyone makes to film, TV, and cinema!” said Film and TV Charity CEO Alex Pumfrey.
For more information on how to get involved click here.
(Pictured above: A hair and make-up artist working with Emilia Clarke during production of Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” earlier this year)
SHORTS
Steve McQueen’s production company Lammas Park has partnered with camera firm Canon to produce two short films with the goal of generating opportunities for marginalized communities behind and in front of the camera. The films are sent to tackle issues of gender, identity and conformity.
Canon will provide equipment while Jade Ang Jackman and Samona Olanipekun, both on Lammas Park’s talent roster, will direct.
Jackman’s film is a period drama written by Lydia Rynne with performances from Aliyah Odoffin, Alfie Allen and Ayesha Hussain (Charlotte Chapman cast the project.) Olanipekun’s film deals with contemporary male identity. It was written by Dan Braham and stars Samuel Adewunmi and Jonathan Ajayi (cast by Coralie Rose at Road Casting).
The films, which were produced by Helen Dulay and Nat Baring with Lammas Park, are set to hit the festival circuit in 2023.
“Developing new talent in this industry is incredibly important and the creatives we’ve been able to nurture in this project have been brilliant,” said McQueen. “They’re talented, passionate and Canon has given them the chance to work with great equipment. Work like this is absolutely essential for the next generation of filmmakers.”
STUDIO
A new studio is coming to the U.K., with Ashford International Studios set to break ground next summer. Ashford International Development Company is overseeing the project, which will also include commercial space, an education center, hotel and apartments in a space currently comprised of historical buildings and former railway land. The 37,192 square site has been empty since the 1980s.
Ashford International Development Company was set up by Ashford Borough council.
The development was granted planning approval in Sept. 2020 and promises to deliver £250 million ($302 million) worth of investment as well as 2,000 jobs in the area. The residential development is set to be completed by July 2025.
“Recently we have appointed a range of technical experts as we approach a really exciting stage of the project,” said Peter Feacey, a local councillor and chairman of Ashford International Development Company. “Enabling works are already well underway on site and I look forward to seeing the development rise from the ground over the coming years.”
NON-DISCLOSURE CAMPAIGN
Time’s Up U.K. has teamed up with Harvey Weinstein’s former PA Zelda Perkins to support her Can’t Buy My Silence campaign protesting the mis-use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Perkins, who was also a victim of Weinstein’s, is aiming to change legislation to stop the mis-use of NDAs in cases where there has been sexual misconduct, racism, pregnancy and other human rights violations. Legislation has already been passed in Canada and is currently being considered in Ireland and Australia.
Time’s Up U.K., which was formed in the wake of the public allegations against Weinstein, have joined the campaign just as “She Said” – the dramatization of the New York Times expose into Weinstein – opens in U.K. theaters.
“The use of these agreements to hide abuse and silence victims are frightening to me and should be to everyone,” said Samantha Morton, who plays Perkins in “She Said.” “They are a shocking abuse of power and need to be stopped. The work Zelda is doing with Can’t buy My Silence is a beacon for good and for change, as is the work of Time’s Up U.K. I hope this film makes the message loud and clear that the freedom of the press to engage in true investigative journalism needs to be protected and revered and that no victim should ever be silenced.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
