Today 29 July 2022, the Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) have launched their new six part podcast series titled Meet the Producer. Hosted by film critic, presenter and producer Jason Solomons, the show aims to allow listeners to learn from industry professionals on how they have used their personal experiences when approaching their work.
When watching any film that won at a leading international festival, I find there is an element of prejudice where one’s mind is already leaning towards receiving the film favourably, where for example one might be more patient. But critical acclaim raises expectations and audiences expect to be well awarded for their time. This balances out, at least to my mind, any unfair prejudice towards the film. More patience in exchange for higher expectations.
The industry that supports foreign productions that film in Malta, the film servicing industry, is going through some debate about the need to form a union for local crews in order to protect their rights and wages.
Many Hollywood studios have a surprisingly large carbon footprint. Earth Day, on 22 April, offers an opportunity to highlight how new technologies offer a solution to help drive down the substantial waste and emissions from film and TV production.
I recently got an opportunity to visit Disney's new Infinity Stage last week at their Burbank lot to witness a demonstration of ILM's StageCraft technology made famous on The Mandalorian. As illustrated in the image above, being Angelenos, we were all bundled up in our puffer jackets for the 60˚F cold-for-LA morning. However, soon we were transported from Burbank to New York, and halfway around the world to the tropical Maldives in the space of a couple mouse clicks, all without any of the hassle of flights and visas, or worrying about fluctuating currencies and political strife.
Sri Lanka is known for many things - tea, exotic beaches, wildlife, fresh fruits, hospitality, colonial buildings and many more. Not many know that it’s also a favourite destination for moviemakers. Thanks to the size of the country coupled with varying climate and landscape, this island is a moviemakers dream says Gopi Darmaratnam, from The Film Team Sri Lanka who guides us through the ins and outs of production in the country.
The film industry recovery is gathering pace in the UK but some uncertainty remains as the infection rate rises and quarantine is imposed on returning travelers. The COVID-19 guidelines issued by various industry bodies has allowed some production to resume and the domestic film industry has been given hope by the announcement of a “Film and TV Restart Fund”, an insurance support fund of £500M which hopes to give some confidence to producers in these uncertain times.
While Feature and TV Drama productions are beginning to get back into gear, London’s commercials producers are out filming on the streets, providing much needed employment for crews.