A couple of weeks back I was fortunate to crack an invite to the FDA's Autumn/Winter Preview Event, this is where the Film Distributors Association give us a taste of upcoming releases and what we can expect from the Autumn/Winter period.
To be honest I have missed the last couple of FDA events but was determined to make it this time around as the countdown master and presenter, not just another pretender, the real contender for film schedule mender and part time centaur sporting a new chevelure while he renders a verdict on upcoming films and that guy off the telly - Alex Zane (who you may know from such films as: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo & Ibiza Undead amongst his many, many other endeavours ) was hosting. And he is always incredibly entertaining. I thought a post would make nice catch up of releases coming up for the rest of the year and early next year.
The evening was as surprising as it was fun, we were greeted with refreshments and exhibition of film art from the Autumn/Winter release schedule as well as a nostalgic display of vintage cinema paraphernalia including usher's uniforms, chairs and signs on loan from The Cinema Museum.
We headed into the conference area where FDA Chief Executive Mark Batey gave us a quick update on the status of film in the UK - and the outlook was buoyant. With September being a very good month indeed, partially due to the release if Bridget Jones's Baby. If I remember correctly he mentioned that the past September had the most UK cinema goers for 20 years, since October 1997 which saw the releases of The Full Monty and the original Austin Powers film and looking forward things looked promising.
Then Alex Zane stepped up and gave us a comedy gold countdown of his 20 most anticipated upcoming releases for the Autumn/Winter period. I have listed these films below - bear in mind that these are only a selection from the Autumn/Winter release schedule and there are many, many more that may float your boat.
Zane was in top form as he delivered his countdown but that was not all as he interspersed the countdown with goody bag spot prizes. I managed to score a rather spiffing reverse gag Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon T-Shirt as well as an ace copy of Delivering Dreams: A Century of British Film Distribution by Geoffrey MacNab. Thanks FDA & Alex Zane.
Just when we thought the evening had peaked, Zane invited special guest and Scottish acting legend Mr. Tom Conti onto the stage for a chat about his 50+ year career on stage and screen.
Conti may be most well known recently adding Author to resume with the publication of his first novel - The Doctor and his roles in films like: Lewis Gilbert's Shirley Valentine, Nagisa Ôshima's Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Julie Taymor's adaptation of The Tempest, Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, or Ridley Scott's The Duellists but to see the man in top form watch Robert Ellis Miller's heartbreaking Reuben, Reuben for which Conti received a well deserved Oscar nomination.
From his unique vantage point he regaled us with stories and anecdotes of working in the film industry. His tales included: how the art of performing had changed over the years, how working with directors and had changed, choosing projects, stage vs screen, independent film vs Big budget, what makes a good script & the importance of engaging characters, how good Tom Hanks films are (particularly Captain Phillips) and how some films age (particularly Michelangelo Antonioni's L'Avventura), the films he enjoyed making the most were two Robert Altman films: The Dumb Waiter a 1987 made for TV film starring John Travolta and Tom Conti and Beyond Therapy made the same year and starring Jeff Goldblum, Glenda Jackson, Julie Hagerty and Tom Conti.
... the joy of making films is that you would be on a ship or a tank, these days everything is green screen, back then if you were shooting with a tank, they got a tank. Back then we wanted to make films for tanks and girls...”
As well as some cracking anecdotes of working with talent like: David Bowie, Robert Altman, Christopher Nolan, Helen Mirren and Felicity Jones.
... it is possible for an actor to do a movie and never meet the director. Director's don't stand on the set any more. They used to be that a Director stood next to the camera. But [now] they go away to their tent and watch the screens and shout back to the set. But Christopher Nolan is not like that, he stand on the set, he does have a gadget he can check in his hands but he stands there.Subsequently the FDA have released their Autumn/Winter preview teaser trailer which includes 50 films from the forthcoming season.
Also another great thing about him is that he is calm. Lots of director's come to set in the morning scared to death because they know they really don't know what they are doing and crew are digging them out of holes all day long - , actors, first AD, the director of photography is often the one who who saves their ass. But Christopher Nolan is not like that – he is very calm, very assured and easy to work with. Delightful. He is old school.” - Tom Conti on working with Christopher Nolan
The biggest six ever releases for this period ever have been Star Wars: The Force Awakens, James Cameron's Avatar followed by Peter Jackson's Tolkien adaptations The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
I think Gareth Edwards' Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has a good chance of making a change to that list.
Which brings me to - without further ado 20 highlighted films to keep an eye out for over the Autumn/Winter period.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
December 16
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Poster [Enlarge] |
The mission to steal the plans for the Death Star (from A New Hope) comes to the big screen in spectacular style, with Felicity Jones, Riz Ahmed, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen – and James Earl Jones reprising the voice of Darth Vader.
Release Date: Friday 16 December, 2016
StarWars.com | #RogueOne | Twitter | Facebook
A United Kingdom
November 25
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A United Kingdom Poster [Enlarge] |
A United Kingdom tells the inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire - their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.
Release Date: Friday 25 November, 2016
A Street Cat Named Bob
November 4
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A Streetcat Named Bob Poster [Enlarge] |
Also starring Ruta Gedmintas (The Strain, The Incident) Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey, Filth) Anthony Head (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and (of course) Bob, filming took place over six weeks in London, mainly in Covent Garden where James and Bob used to busk.
The film is directed by Roger Spottiswoode (Tomorrow Never Dies, Under Fire, Air America, Turner and Hooch), with a script from Tim John (Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde) and Maria Nation (Ice Bound).
Release Date: Friday 4 November 2016
Allied
NOVEMBER 25
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Allied Film Poster [Enlarge] |
Allied is the story of intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt), who in 1942 North Africa encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war.
Release Date: Friday 25 November 2016
The Accountant
NOVEMBER 4
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The Accountant Poster [Enlarge] |
Christian Wolff (Affleck) is a math savant with more affinity for numbers than people. Behind the cover of a small-town CPA office, he works as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations. With the Treasury Department’s Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King (J.K. Simmons), starting to close in, Christian takes on a legitimate client: a state-of- the- art robotics company where an accounting clerk (Anna Kendrick) has discovered a discrepancy involving millions of dollars. But as Christian un-cooks the books and gets closer to the truth, it is the body count that starts to rise.
Release Date: Friday 4 November 2016
Manchester by the Sea
January 13
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Manchester By The Sea Poster [Enlarge] |
Release Date: Friday 13 January, 2017
Manchesterbytheseathemovie.com | Twitter | Facebook
American Pastoral
NOVEMBER 11
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American Pastoral Poster [Enlarge] |
In 1968, a hardworking man, who's been a staple in his quaint community for years, watches his seemingly perfect middle class life fall apart as his daughter's new radical political affiliation threatens to destroy their family.
Release Date: Friday 11 November 2016
Americanpastoral.co.uk | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
T2: Trainspotting 2
January 27
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T2: Trainspotting 2 Poster [Enlarge] |
Twenty years have gone by.
Much has changed but just as much remains the same.
Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to the only place he can ever call home. They are waiting for him: Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), and Begbie (Robert Carlyle).
Other old friends are waiting too: sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, self-destruction and mortal danger, they are all lined up to welcome him, ready to join the dance.
Director Danny Boyle reunites the original cast: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle.
Release Date: Friday 27 January, 2017
Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny
NOVEMBER 4
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Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny Poster [Enlarge]
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Directors Louis Black and Karen Bernstein weave illuminating discussions with Linklater amongst testimonies from faithful actors, longtime crew members, and industry professionals who weigh in on his upward trajectory from Slacker to the Sunrise trilogy. Throughout his career, Linklater has worked with a core group of artists, raising the profile of both actors and the burgeoning independent film scene in Austin. This thoughtful examination of a groundbreaking filmmaker serves as a celebration of a rare talent.
Release Date: Friday 4 November, 2016
DogWoof | Linklaterdoc.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Why Him?
December 26
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Why Him? QUad Poster [Enlarge] |
Release Date: Monday 26 December, 2016
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
November 18
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them [Enlarge] |
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.
VIDEO: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Final Trailer
Release Date: Friday 18 November, 2016
Fantastic Beasts | Twitter | Facebook
Sully
December 2
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Sully Film Poster [Enlarge] |
The Establishing Shot: CLINT EASTWOOD'S SULLY TRAILER - TOM HANKS, ECKHART, LINNEY - 2 DEC, 2016
Release Date: Friday 2 December, 2016
Mum’s List
NOVEMBER 25
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Mum's List [Enlarge] |
Over her last few days, she created her list: writing her thoughts and memories down, to help the man she loved create the best life possible for their two sons, after she was gone.
VIDEO: Mum's List Trailer 2
Release Date: Friday 25 November, 2016
Moana
December 2
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Moana Poster [Enlarge] |
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
The Establishing Shot: MOANA TRAILER - CRAVALHO, DWAYNE JOHNSON, HOUSE- 21 DEC 2016
Release Date: Friday 2 December, 2016
Passengers
DECEMBER 21
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Passengers Film Poster [Enlarge] |
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are two passengers onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on another planet. The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination. As Jim and Aurora try to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction... only to be threatened by the imminent collapse of the ship and the discovery of the truth behind why they woke up.
The Establishing Shot: PASSENGERS TRAILER - LAWRENCE & PRATT - 21 DEC 2016
Release Date: Wednesday 21 December, 2016
Paterson
November 25
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Paterson Quad Poster [Enlarge] |
Sharing the name with his home town, he adheres to a simple daily routine: driving the same route, picking up all manner of passengers, observing the city as it drifts across his windshield and overhearing fragments of conversation swirling around him. He writes poetry into a notebook, and after work he walks his dog, stops in at the local bar and goes home to his wife, Laura (Golshifteh Farahani).
By contrast, Laura’s world is ever changing; as new dreams come to her almost daily, she embarks upon different and inspired projects, continually and unwaveringly supported by her husband.
A week in the life of this quietly content couple drifts by, highlighting in delicate, beautiful detail, the triumphs and defeats of daily life. Funny, philosophical and profound, Jarmusch’s latest celebrates the wonder in the ordinary, and proves there’s poetry to be found in all aspects of the everyday.
The Establishing Shot: JIM JARMUSCH'S PATERSON TRAILER - ADAM DRIVER, FARAHANI, ARTHUR - 25 NOV 2016
Release Date: Friday 25 November, 2016
The Birth of a Nation
December 9
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The Birth of a Nation Quad Poster [Enlarge] |
Video: The Birth of a Nation Trailer 2
Release Date: Friday 9 December, 2016
Split
January 20
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Split UK Poster [Enlarge] |
While the mental divisions of those with dissociative identity disorder have long fascinated and eluded science, it is believed that some can also manifest unique physical attributes for each personality, a cognitive and physiological prism within a single being.
Though Kevin (James McAvoy) has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Witch), Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him—as well as everyone around him—as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.
The Establishing Shot: M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN'S SPLIT TRAILER - JAMES MCAVOY, RICHARDSON - 25 NOV 16
Release Date: Friday 20 January, 2017
Bleed for This
December 2
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Bleed For This Quad Poster [Enlarge] |
Video: Bleed For This Trailer
Release Date: Friday 2 December, 2016
La La Land
January 13
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La La Land Poster [Enlarge] |
Video: La La Land Dreamers Teaser Trailer
Release Date: Friday 13 January, 2017
The Establishing Shot: ALEX ZANE PRESENTS THE FDA GUIDE TO ALL THE AUTUMN/WINTER 2016/2017 FILM RELEASES & TOM CONTI INTERVIEW - EVENT REPORT
Craig is a retired superhero, an obsessive hobbyist, comics fan, gadget lover & flâneur who knows an unhealthy amount about Ian Fleming's James Bond. When not watching or making films he takes pictures, eats, drinks, dives, tries to connect to nature whilst mentally storyboarding the greatest film ever made. He also & sometimes utilises owl-themed gadgets to fight crime. A list of his 133 favourite films can be found here! If you would still like to contact Craig please use any of the buttons below: |
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