Beautiful Devils Starring Iain Glen In Production

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Principal photography commences this week on major new British film and psychological thriller Beautiful Devils. A stunning modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello set in the world of the contemporary music business, starring Iain Glen (Game of Thrones, Resident Evil) alongside a raft of exciting up-and-coming talent including; Osy Ikhale (Mission Impossible, Rogue Nation); Elliot James Langridge (Northern Soul); Rachel Hurd-Wood (Peter Pan) and Danny Horn (Emmerdale) as well as some of the UK’s most accomplished performers including; comedian Rufus Hound in his debut feature film and veteran actor Steve Waddington (The Imitation Game).

Produced by London-based Ascension Productions, Beautiful Devils is directed by James Marquand, (I Against I, One Night in Istanbul, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side) and produced by Ascension’s Craig Tuohy alongside Carnaby International’s Andrew Loveday, Mike Loveday and Terry Loveday. London-based Carnaby International has also secured worldwide sales and distribution rights for Beautiful Devils.

Director, James Marquand commented; “I am massively psyched to have the opportunity to be involved in adapting Othello to be set in the ambitious world of contemporary music. Working with a dynamite young cast, the film will be lurid, stylish, and bloody. It plays out as both a dark, fatalistic love story, and a psychological revenge thriller”.

Ensuring a modern twist on the legendary 500 year-old story of Othello, Beautiful Devils sees up-and-coming musician Oz, (Ikhile) abandon his friend, confidant, and musical side kick Ivan (Langridge), in favour of his lover Darcy (Hurd-Wood) and her friend the talented Casper (Horn). Giving unsuspecting Oz the impression he is understanding of the decision, Ivan remains close to him as he rises to stardom, all the while secretly setting out to ruin his former friend. Ivan ropes in the services of the malleable Rigo (Bentley), the producer’s son who holds a jealous grudge against Oz because he has secret and unrequited love for Darcy. Together they set about destroying the new group and lovers through lies, treachery and murder. Channelling the themes of ambition, greed, and the pressure of modern social media culture, the film, like the original source ends in bloody tragedy.

Beautiful Devils is filming solely in the UK around the urban areas of East London giving it a dark gritty feel to match the tone of the tragic story. Filming commenced on Monday 1st June and is scheduled to wrap on July 5th 2015 ahead of its theatrical release in the spring of 2016.

Cannes: Simon West’s ‘Salty,’ Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ ‘Damascus Cover’ Attract Buyers

LONDON — Carnaby Intl. has added international sales during the Cannes Film Festival on Simon West’s action-comedy “Salty” and espionage thriller “Damascus Cover,” which stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and John Hurt.

Salty” went to Flins y Piniculas for Spain, Raon in South Korea, KRU Studios in Malaysia, Vistcom for Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and India, and HGC in China. Carnaby had previously inked deals for Indonesia (PT Prima Cinema), Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Slovakia, the former Yugoslavia, Hungary and Romania (Prorom), Poland (Kino Swiat), Israel (Five Stars), Middle East (Gulf Film), and Turkey (Central Park).

The film follows an ageing rock star, and reformed sex addict, who is persuaded to take a holiday by his wife, a former supermodel. Things take a turn for the worse when she’s kidnapped by Thai pirates raising money to buy a new boat. West’s credits include “Con Air,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and “Expendables 2.”

At Cannes, “Damascus Cover” went to South Africa’s Crystal Brook, India’s Empire Networks, Vietnam’s Vistcom and China’s HGC. At Berlin, it had been sold to Gulf Films (Middle East), PT Prima Cinema (Indonesia), Flins y Piniculas (Spain), Discovery (former Yugoslavia), Mountain Pictures (South Korea) and KRU Group (Malaysia).

Set in 1989, the pic focuses on a veteran spy sent undercover in Syria to smuggle a chemical weapons scientist and his family out of Damascus.

Carnaby sold “Arthur and Merlin” to Spain’s Flins y Piniculas, China’s HGC, former Yugoslavia’s Discovery and Germany’s Tiberious), and received offers from Japan and the U.S., which have yet to close.

Casual Encounters” went to South Africa’s Crystal Brook, “Mercury Plains” was sold to Spain’s Flins y Piniculas, and “Everything Carries Me to You” also went to Spain’s Flins y Piniculas.

Cannes: Carnaby Seals International Deals for Jonathan Rhys Meyers Spy Thriller

London-based sales and distribution banner Carnaby International has locked down a series of acquisitions for its Middle East-set spy thriller, Damascus Cover. Among the pickups for theJonathan Rhys Meyers– and John Hurt-starring title, currently in post-production, were HGC in China, India’s Empire Networks and South African distributor Crystal Brook.

Carnaby also secured a number of sales for its upcoming comedy-drama Salty, from Con Airand The Expendables 2 director Simon West, teaming again with HGC for China. Other buyers for the title — which is described as The Hangover meets Get Him to the Greek and follows an aging rock star whose ex-supermodel wife is kidnapped by pirates — include Prorom for  six Eastern European territories, Flins y Piniculas for Spain and Vistcom for India, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Carnaby, Signature on the ‘Rise’

Carnaby has taken world sales rights to action crime-thriller sequel Rise of the Footsoldier Part II, starring Ricci Harnett (28 Days Later), Luke Malby (The Prince and Me) and Steven Berkoff (Red 2).

Signature Entertainment has snapped up UK distribution rights in a deal secured by Carnaby’s joint CEO, Andrew Loveday, together with Signature’s CEO, Marc Goldberg.

Carnaby will have extended promo footage of the title about a man who must fight to regain his place in the criminal underworld in Cannes.

The first Rise of the Footsoldier has sold close to 1 million copies in the UK.

Also new to Carnaby’s slate is Charles Burmeister’s action-thriller Mercury Plains, set to star Scot Eastwood (Gran Torino), Nick Chinlund (Con Air) and Angela Sarafyan (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn); crime-thriller North V South, produced by Mark Foligno; and fantasy-adventure Arthur & Merlin.

Cannes: Scott Eastwood Thriller ‘Mercury Plains’ Launching in Market

With the first costumed-up shot of Scott Eastwood in the Suicide Squad ensemble revealed just days ago, buyers in Cannes will have the chance to take a longer look at Clint Eastwood‘s son in action.

Announced Tuesday, U.K. based sales and distribution banner Carnaby has acquired the worldwide sales rights for the Eastwood-starring action-thriller Mercury Plains, and will be launching the film at Marche du Film.

Directed and written by Charles Burmeister, the film follows a troubled young man (Eastwood) who runs to Mexico only to find himself recruited into what he believes is a group of paramilitaries fighting the drug cartels. Isolated at a desert camp and unsure of his motives, he proves himself by becoming the top soldier, but as the police close in realizes that he must escape back to the U.S.

Alongside Eastwood, Mercury Plains stars Nick Chinlund (Con Air, Training Day) and Angela Sarafyan (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Down – Part 2). Currently in post-production with delivery expected for Q4, the film has been produced by Houston Hill (Virgin Alexander, The Devil’s Punchbowl) and Eric Watson (Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain).

“Mercury Plains is the land just across the border with Mexico, where beautiful deserts and their shimmering mirages mix with the blood, money, and drugs of the cartels,” said Burmeister. “Across this epic landscape, I wanted to use Scott Eastwood as ‘Mitch’ to explore the iconic image of the young American man – strong, soft-spoken, reluctant to violence, and yet eager to prove himself. And then I put him in the most difficult setting possible, where modern laws did not apply. I wanted a film filled with action, but told in a classical cinema style, where the characters are as indelible as the rugged horizon.”

The deal with Carnaby was secured by the company’s joint CEOs, Andrew Loveday and Sean O’Kelly. Carnaby will be screening extended promo footage to buyers in Cannes. Burmeister said that it “seemed perfect to partner with a young, rising company like Carnaby to market a film with a young, rising star in Scott Eastwood.”

“I’m enormously proud to be working alongside such a talented team on this picture,” added O’Kelly. “The hard hitting and compelling storylines have a universal appeal which will resonate with audiences around the world. We’re excited to bring this into the market.”

Also on Carnaby’s slate is the Jonathan Rhys-Meyers spy thriller Damascus Cover, the Iggy Pop-starring Blood Orange and Simon West‘s upcoming action-comedy Salty.

The Good, the Bad and the good looking!

He’s followed his famous father into the movie business, and as well as a career choice Clint Eastwood has also passed on his good genes to son Scott.

The 29-year-old actor was spotted for the first time on the set of his new movie Suicide Squad on Sunday, looking the spitting image of his 84-year-old dad in his younger years.

Scott’s good looks charmed fans as he chatted to a group of girls ahead of his gruelling night shoot for the eagerly anticipated 2016 movie.

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Action man: Scott Eastwood was spotted preparing for a night shoot on the set of Suicide Squad on Sunday 

Action man: Scott Eastwood was spotted preparing for a night shoot on the set of Suicide Squad on Sunday

The resemblance between Scott, who’s mother is Jacelyn Reeves, and his actor and director father was hard to miss as he shot scenes for his latest big screen feature.

Dressed in a t-shirt and some colourful shorts, Scott talked with fans as he chowed down on some food in preparation for a long night in front of the camera.

Later, the up and coming star looked ready for action in his army combats as he strolled around set, assault rifle in hand.

Look familiar? The 29-year-old actor is the spitting image of his actor and director dad Clint

Look familiar? The 29-year-old actor is the spitting image of his actor and director dad Clint

Look familiar? The 29-year-old actor is the spitting image of his actor and director dad Clint

Up and coming: Scott has been busy making a name for himself in Hollywood, landing parts in some major 2015 movies

Up and coming: Scott has been busy making a name for himself in Hollywood, landing parts in some major 2015 movies

Scott Eastwood shows off his real-life bull riding skills

Scott’s movie career has really taken over in the past year, with a part in the Brad Pitt 2014 movie Fury leading to meatier roles in Suicide Squad and the eagerly anticipated Edward Snowden biopic.

While his career is only just starting to take off, Scott is well used to the world of movies, telling People Magazine last month that he was always ‘being dragged around movie sets’ by his dad when he was younger.

Scott, who used his mother’s surname when he was first starting out, has appeared in a number of his father’s films, but admitted in an interview earlier this year that Clint hasn’t thrown him any favours.

Fanbase: The young actor, who has inherited his dad's good looks was spotted charming a group of girls 

Fanbase: The young actor, who has inherited his dad’s good looks was spotted charming a group of girls

Hollywood icon: Scott has appeared in a number of his dad's films, with Clint moving behind the camera in recent years after shooting to fame in films like  A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

Hollywood icon: Scott has appeared in a number of his dad’s films, with Clint moving behind the camera in recent years after shooting to fame in films like  A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

Explaining that he’s auditioned for nearly every one of his father’s directorial efforts, including his latest American Sniper, Scott told Variety that when he’s been rejected he doesn’t even get a phone call, quipping ‘it’s nothing personal.’

Scott’s army of fans also have his dad to thank for his brooding good looks. As well as passing on those genes, Scott told People that ‘my dad was always super-active and got me in the gym at a young age. He wanted me to be health-conscious. Healthy body, healthy mind; that’s what he preached to me.’

Action! Scott was seen in army fatigues and holding an assault rifle as he shot scenes for the anticipated DC Comics adaptation

Action! Scott was seen in army fatigues and holding an assault rifle as he shot scenes for the anticipated DC Comics adaptation

Action! Scott was seen in army fatigues and holding an assault rifle as he shot scenes for the anticipated DC Comics adaptation in Toronto

Ready for battle: Scott looked ready to rumble in his military gear

Ready for battle: Scott looked ready to rumble in his military gear

Director David Ayer raised the excitement level among fans when he tweeted the first official Suicide Squad cast photo from the set on Sunday.

In the cast shot, captioned ‘Task Force X assembled and ready. #SuicideSquad,’ Scott is seen clasping a huge machine gun to his chest flanked on one side by Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) and on the other by Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie).

The DC Comics adaptation follows the group of supervillains imprisoned in an asylum who are offered clemency by a secret government agency in return for carrying out covert black ops.

The group photo also included stars Will Smith, Adam Beach, Jai Courtney, Karen Fukuhara, Joel Kinnaman, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Jay Hernandez.

Scott Eastwood is all smiles at top of The Empire State Building

Famous faces: Scott stars alongside Will Smith, also pictured, in the film from director David Ayer

Famous faces: Scott stars alongside Will Smith, also pictured, in the film from director David Ayer

Say cheese: Suicide Squad director David Ayer shared a photo of the villainous group on Sunday on Twitter

Say cheese: Suicide Squad director David Ayer shared a photo of the villainous group on Sunday on Twitter

 

Simon West’s ‘Salty’ sets UK crowdfunding record

Simon West’s action-comedy Salty has become the most successful UK film on a crowd-funding platform to date, raising £1.9m ($2.8m), according to the production.

The film hit its crowdfunding target of £1.8m ($2.7m) on March 14 with additional investment available until next weekend.

The project is raising money through platform SyndicateRoom with investors promised a stake in the film’s profits.

The rest of the film’s $10m budget is due to be raised through angel investment, tax credit returns and pre-sales.

Carnaby handles sales on the film and has inked pre-sales with Indonesia (PT Prima Cinema), Bulgaria, Czech Republic & Slovakia, Former Yugoslavia, Hungary and Romania (Prorom), Poland (Kino Swiat), Israel (Five Stars), Middle East (Gulf Film) and Turkey (Central Park).

Salty, adapted by Mark Haskell Smith from his novel of the same name, follows an ageing rock star whose holiday in Thailand takes a turn for the worse when his wife is kidnaped by pirates.

West’s Simon West Productions is aiming to shoot the film at the end of the year.

Before then, The Expendables 2 and Con Air director is being lined up to shoot Henry Cavill action film Stratton and a remake of The Blob.

West said: “I am delighted to have achieved this ‘world first’ by selling shares in my upcoming film directly to investors, the movie going fans themselves.

“Now it’s up to me to make a great film and repay their support with great returns.”

Zach Braff’s comedy-drama Wish I Was Here currently holds the record for the most money raised by a film through a crowdfunding platform, generating $3.2m (£2.1m) on Kickstarter in 2013

‘Expendables 2′ Director Simon West Teams with Carnaby on Action-Comedy ‘Salty’

London-based Carnaby Sales & Distribution has boarded Simon West’s action-comedy “Salty” as worldwide sales agent. West’s credits include “Con Air,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and “Expendables 2.”

The production, which West describes as “The Hangover” meets “Get Him to the Greek,” is in final negotiations with an A-list cast and pre-sales have already been secured with distributors in several major territories, Carnaby said. Pic will start to shoot later this year.

The film follows an ageing rock star, and reformed sex addict, who is persuaded to take a holiday by his wife, a former supermodel. Things take a turn for the worse when she’s kidnapped by Thai pirates raising money to buy a new boat.

The screenplay, which is adapted from Mark Haskell Smith’s novel, is written by Haskell Smith (TV series “Star Trek Voyager” and “The Magnificent Seven”) and Toby Davies (“The Mitchell and Webb Look,” “Yonderland,” “Crackanory”).

Salty” is produced by Harry Stourton (“Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”) and Jib Polhemus (“Con Air,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “Expendables 2”). Deal was struck by Carnaby’s joint CEOs, Sean O’Kelly and Andrew Loveday, with West, Stourton and Polhemus for Simon West Prods. “Salty” partnered with equity crowdfunding platform SyndicateRoom to offer retail investors the chance to own a stake in the film.

West said: “‘Salty’ is a wonderful mixture of comedy, action and exotic locations. Films of this type like ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Bridesmaids’ are perfect examples of how popular this genre can be. I am going to shoot this film in a style that will exude energy, fun and glamour.

He added: “The story should work on several levels. The ironic humor and witty dialogue will be very appealing to U.S. and English-speaking audiences but I also think the film will travel very well to all other markets. I intend to shoot elaborate and exciting action sequences very much in the vein of my previous films and like those projects I intend to cast the movie with the best acting talent out there.”

The Truth Commissioner begins shoot in Ireland

The Truth Commissioner, a political thriller set around the Northern Ireland peace process, has begun principal photography this week in Belfast and Dublin.

The adaptation of David Park’s 2008 novel, directed by Declan Recks (Eden), will film for five weeks across locations spanning Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland as well as Dublin and other parts of the Republic of Ireland. Historic locations will include Derry-Londonderry’s Guildhall setting for the Bloody Sunday enquiry and Belfast’s Stormont Castle – seat of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The cast, led by Roger Allam (The Queen, The Thick of it), includes Sean McGinley, Tom Goodman Hill, Conleth Hill, Ian McElhinney, Bird Brennan and Barry Ward.

Carnaby International handle sales and took the upcoming title to Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM) last month.

Set in a post-Troubles Northern Ireland, the film follows the fictional story of Henry Stanfield (Allam), a career diplomat who has just been appointed as Truth Commissioner to Northern Ireland. Eager to make good as a peacemaker, the Prime Minster urges a commission following the South African model of Truth and Reconciliation. But, though Stanfield starts bravely, he quickly uncovers some bloody and inconvenient truths about those now running the country; truths which none of those in power are prepared to have revealed.

Made by Belfast-based production company BT9 Films for Big Fish Films and Samson Films, producers are David Collins, Eoin O’Callaghan and Kevin Jackson.

It is produced in association with Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland, The Irish Film Board and The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

The Truth Commissioner will be broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland later in the year.

Multiple Media pacts with U.S., U.K. producers on Canadian distribution

Flush with cash after selling a two-thirds stake to Quantum International Income Corp, Multiple Media Entertainment is ramping up its Canadian theatrical releasing arm.

MME has acquired the Canadian rights to Paul Bettany’s Shelter from Voltage Pictures, the producer of Dallas Buyers Club, and secured Canadian distribution for two titles from UK producer Carnaby International, Assassin and Casual Encounters.

The indie producer/distributor has also acquired the exclusive Canadian rights to Mangiacake, the first feature from Nathan Estabrooks, and starring co-writer Christina Cuffari.

MME plans to release Shelter, which stars Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie, later this year, later this year theatrically and on VOD and digital platforms.

The distributor will also release Assassin, a film about a contract killer directed by J.K. Amalou and starring Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp, and Zackary Adler’s Casual Encounters, which stars Taran Killam, Brooklyn Decker and David Arquette.

Both films will be released by MME in English and French speaking Canada in 2015, with limited theatrical releases followed up with VOD and digital platform releases.

As with the Voltage Pictures deal, the first two titles from Carnaby International are part of a longer-term partnership and possible Canadian output deals.

MME will also release Mangiacake, former Canadian Film Centre grad Estabrooks’ debut feature that also stars Melanie Scrofano and Harmon Walsh.

Mangiacake will be released across Canada, including on VOD, pay-per-view, digital and TV.

Read more: http://playbackonline.ca/2015/02/27/multiple-media-pacts-with-u-s-u-k-producers-on-canadian-distribution/#ixzz3Sy16lT00