The casting for Disney+ much anticipated 8-part series Rivals, based on the much loved novel by Jilly Cooper, was announced on 21 March. Set against the backdrop of 1980’s England, the series will feature the same drama and success of the social elite featured in it’s original source inspiration. Produced by Happy Prince, which is a part of ITV Studios, the series will be filming at The Bottle Yard Studios’ new TBY2 facility.
Gangs of Lagos, Prime Video’s first African original movie, is set to be released on the streaming service on 7 April. The action crime-thriller, directed by Jáde Osiberu, follows a group of childhood friends navigating the complexities and dangers of their lives in Isale Eko, Lagos. Gangs of Lagos’ release is the display of Prime Videos commitment to its investment in Nigeria and the Nollywood film industry, and a dedication to telling thoughtfully made and authentic stories form the continent.
Willow creator Jo Kasdan teased the write up of Volume II despite cancellation rumours. The series, which is a sequel to the Ron Howard and George Lucas 1988 fantasy movie of the same name, is written up and ready for production, but is not likely to be released before the next year. The series which stars Warwick Davis, Buby Bamber and Ellie Cruz is shot on location across the idyllic countryside landscapes of Wales.
Screen Queensland and Freemantle Australia have partnered to bring a new sustainability internship. The placement will take place on set of Network 10 and Nickelodeon’s youth series Rock Island season 2 which is currently filming on the Gold Coast. The programme is another step in the region’s commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of local production.
A new virtual production studio is coming to central London from the partnership between Anna Valley and Green Studios. The entertainment technology company is set to bring an over 150 sq metre volume and supporting crew along with technology to the Green Studios’ London based facility. This announcement, made yesterday, follows the companies’ collaboration on the recent SMPTE Virtual Production Showcase that was held at Garden Studios and featured an LED volume by Anna Valley.
The UK Spring budget released on 17 March by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt revealed a happy outcome for the fate of tax breaks in the film and tv sector. After an uneasy period of review, British producers can breath as sigh of relief at the developments which introduced increased tax expenditures that will influence how the existing rebate systems are calculated across the film, television, animation and video games production, ensuring the nation’s maintained status as one of the biggest production hubs in the world.
Channel 4 and Amazon Studios joined forces to produce The Industry Access Survey 2022 titled Access into Action. With a range of figures and unexpected discoveries, the survey draws attention to the sectors of the television industry that are falling short in ensuring accessibility for Disabled and neuro divergent communities. From the downfalls and promising results, the survey has presented concise next steps that productions can instate over the next 6 months to evoke change in their production practices. Moderator and Chanel 4 sports presenter Jordan Jarret-Bryan was joined by a panel consisting of writer Jack Thorne, tv producer Bryony Arnold, head of UK originals at Amazon Dan Grabiner, and producer Clare Brown.
Non-profit training and employment organisation Set Ready have announced their next free TV and film industry training programme. With trainees who have worked on esteemed projects such as Spectre, The Crown and Ted Lasso, Set Ready are giving opportunities to many who might experience barriers with entering the industry. The programme is in association with the JGA Group as part of the Pan-London Creativity squared project funded by the Greater London Authority and European Social Fund. The upcoming event will take place from 28 to 30 March at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley.