RENDR, the new creative industries festival set to take place next month in Belfast revealed its lineup of speakers on 25 January. Those in attendance include professionals whose credits span The Mandalorian, The Batman, Top Gun: Maverick, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and more. Taking place from 23-24 February, the event will be held at Portview Trade Centre in Belfast.
Aria Studios launched today in North Wales, expanding the production energy even further in the region. Established by Rondo Media and S4C Digital Media Limited, The Location Guide had the opportunity to speak with Rondo Media's Chief Executive Officer Gareth Williams on the launch of the new studio facility, what filmmakers can look forward to and why North Wales was the perfect choice.
From leadership changes, the welcoming of their new ad-tier and the display of their impressive slate of features set to grace the streaming veteran, Netflix has a lot going on. Adding almost 7.7 million subscribers last quarter, many are evidently still gravitating to the platform, which welcomed it’s new ad-based subscription package in November 2022. Saying goodbye to its impressive performance of last year, Netflix is only focussed on bigger and better things to come.
The BFI announced on Friday 20 January the instatement of independent producer Ama Ampadu as the new senior production and development executive for the BFI Film Fund. Replacing Kristin Irving, Ampadu will report to Natascha Warton, the Fund’s Head of Editorial, and work alongside Louise Ortega who joined as senior production and development executive last year, as well as editor-at-large Lizzie Francke.
Australian feature A Savage Christmas is currently filming in Queensland. With support from the Queensland government through Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Programme and principal production investment from Screen Australia, this project will be the debut form production company Roaring Entertainment Production. This will also be the first full-length feature from Townsville-based director, writer and producer Madeline Dyer.
Tomorrow, His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex will present the first ever film and industry award created in his name at the inaugural Production Guild of Great Britain talent showcase in association with Disney Studios Content and supported by Entertainment Partners. Taking place at the Savoy in Central London, the showcase will be hosted by award winning broadcaster, presenter and changemaker Ayo Akinwolere.
Apple Originals and A24 created Sharper is set to be released for streaming on 17 February. The neo-noir thriller, set amongst the New York City sights, follows the unravelling of secrets and lies as the characters stop at nothing for riches. Starring Julianna Moore, Sebastian Stan, John Lithgow, Justice Smith and Briana Middleton, the project is directed by Benjamin Caron.
The BBC’s documentary strand Storyville has appointed Emma Hindley as lead commissioning editor. Hindley appointment comes after her temporary leadership since September after the departure of former editor Phillipa Kowarsky. The new lead commissioning editor will report to director of Unscripted Kate Phillips.