This Friday 12 April, Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black will make its premiere. Capturing the short lived career of the jazz singer, the film stars Marisa Abela as Winehouse. Capturing key London based settings that contributed to the life of the singer, filming took place on location at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, outside Winehouse’s first flat in Camden Town and at Primrose Hill.
Next month, Japan will open up the first round of submissions for their extended film and TV production incentive. The funding scheme offers a 50% reimbursement for qualifying expenditure in Japan, with a cap of USD 6.66 million. Targeting larger projects, the minimum spend required to qualify for the incentive is USD 3.3 million.
Boarders is the newest comedy drama from BBC 3. Shot entirely in Bristol and the South West of England, the series was created by BAFTA nominee Daniel Lawrence Taylor. Supporters Bristol Film Office worked with the production team to include local crew talent including camera trainee Jojo Bossman.
Million Youth Media have been announced as the winners of The Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award 2024. The organisation offer training and development for upcoming filmmakers and under-represented talent. The honour was announced as part of the PGGB Talent Showcase held at London’s Savoy Hotel on Thursday 8 February.
After winning the Grand Prix at the 76th Cannes Film Festival last year and recently receiving 5 Academy Award and 9 BAFTA Nominations, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest hits UK theatres tomorrow 2 February. Capturing the story of the commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, as they strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp. The production travelled to the historical landmark and surrounding areas in Poland. To facilitate this, Glazer enlisted the help of Salt Film and past location finding collaborator Eugene Strange. I spoke with Strange on this poignant experience, the career track that has led him here, and where it’s all heading next.
French global investment management firm AXA Investment Managers (IM) have acquired North West London’s BBC Elstree Centre. This purchase marks the first investment by AXA IM into the UK’s TV and film studio market. As part of the deal AXA IM will lease part of the studios to BBC for 25 years. Oxygen Studios, who advised on the acquisition, will also act as developing and operating partner in the new ownership.
Jay Hunt has been appointed chair of the British Film Institute (BFI) by the secretary of state. The Apple TV+ creative director for Europe, and former chief creative officer of Channel 4, has been a governor of the BFI since 2020. The new chair will commence her four year term starting from 12 February 2024.
Plans have been announced to launch a new skills training programme later this month for creatives looking to break in behind-the-camera roles in the West of England. This follows Bristol City Council’s Film Services securing almost £300,000 (£299,818) from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The programme is set to be delivered by The Bottle Yard Studios, Bristol UNESCO City of Film and Bristol Film Office.