Showing posts with label Conventions. Show all posts

MOVIE-CON III !

Empire magazine and the BFI team up again to bring Movie-Con back with a vengeance. In response to popular demand, we're beginning the weekend early to bring you a currently top-secret film screening followed by a specially programmed Dark Fibre night on Friday. The rest of the weekend will be packed with a showcase of the very best in upcoming action, horror, fantasy and sci-fi, including exclusive footage fresh from being premiered at San Diego Comic-Con.


The weekend so far includes:

Friday 13th August
The Expendables screening 20.30

Dark Fibre Movie-Con III opening night party, A/V night in the BFI Southbank foyer featuring special Bladerunner and THX1138 remixes: 22.00-02.00

Saturday 14th August
Movie-Con III activities, sneak previews, film screenings, special guests and more: 10.00-17.30

Sunday 15th August
Movie-Con III activities, sneak previews, film screenings, special guests and more: 10.00 - 17.30

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World screening

Weekend passes are sold out but tickets are still available for the pay for view screenings:

Saturday 14th August
The Hole 3D 18.30 £9
22 Bullets 20.45 £9

Sunday 15th August
Preview screening #3 (tbc) 18.30 £9



MOVIE-CON III
Where:
BFI Southbank,Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When:
Fri 13 - Sun August 15

More info:
Over at the Empire website

The Establishing Shot: Empire Big Screen Universal Pictures Showcase World First Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Raven and Immortals

Empire's BIG SCREEN Universal Presentation Following on from my walk around the BIG SCREEN Live Quarter, Hollywood Boulevard & Studio City. I headed to the Sky Super Screen for the New Universal Pictures Showcase.

I took my seat; well it wasn't really my seat, it was just a random very well placed seat in the large cinema that I decided would offer a great view of the proceedings. Also I didn't actually take the seat anywhere I just sat in it.

The New Universal Pictures Showcase started off strong with a Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy presentation. But first we were greeted by Gary Oldman, sadly only via video but cool nevertheless. He greeted us, apologized for not being at BIG SCREEN but was busy working on Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.

He hoped that we enjoyed Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - as it was a labour of love for everyone involved. He also spoke a little about what drew him to the film:

- The opportunity to work with Director Tomas Alfredson
- The incredible cast, naming checking most of the actors
- And he got to be George Smiley a British Icon.

He enjoyed working on it with a great team and that he hoped we enjoyed the clips we were about to see.

     Video: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Teaser Trailer  

The Establishing Shot: Kapow! Comic Con 10 most popular pics

The other night I went along to what is the most fun film I have seen this year - 30 Minutes or Less. Before the screening we were treated to Pizza and refreshments in the Odeon West End's lounge. Whilst I was in the rather large crowd I noticed a young couple, something about the female of the pair struck me as familiar - slowly it dawned on me that she was a Cosplay Phoenix and in one of my most viewed pictures from Kapow! Comic Con her other half was a Ghosbuster. It felt a bit weird, like seeing a super hero in their regular civilian clothes.

That combined with my recent experience of the Empire BIG SCREEN convention I thought I would share my most popular photos from the Kapow! Comic Con. Predictably many of them are Cosplay pics.

No. 10 - Kapow! Comic Con : Cosplay - Lyra from Eternal Descent

The Establishing Shot: Empire Big Screen 20th Century Fox Showcase & Titanic 3D

Empire Big ScreenDashing from the The Secrets Of WETA Presentation. I grabbed a pair of 3D glasses and made my way up the escalator to the Sky Superscreen for the 20th Century Fox Showcase. By now I had missed the bulk of the showcase it and by that I mean -

20th Century Fox Marketing Director, Chris Green introducing the 20th Century Fox Showcase and a short clip of top directors and their thoughts on working with 20th Century Fox.

As well as footage and trailers from :

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom.

     Video: Rise of the Planet of the Apes | Official Trailer Teaser | 2011  

If you haven’t already seen Rupert Wyatt's outstanding prequel to the classic Planet of The Apes sci-fi series I highly recommend it. It is one of this years most entertaining films.You can read my full review over here!

UK release Date: 11 August, 2011

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Stars: James Franco, Andy Serkis and Freida Pinto


In Time
In the future people stop aging at 25 and must work to buy themselves more time, but when a young man finds himself with more time than he can imagine he must run from the corrupt police force to save his life.

     Video: In Time | Official Trailer | 2011  

Early on I had some doubts about the very polished In Time, but after watching the very slick trailer a couple of times I was moved from doubt to somewhere near looking forward to it. The premise is very high concept sci fi that hopefully won’t be all style over substance. Given the star power involved things are currently looking good for In Time.

UK release Date: 1 November, 2011

In Time
Director: Andrew Niccol
Writer: Andrew Niccol
Stars: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy

The Darkest Hour
In Russia, a group of young adults struggle to survive after an alien invasion.

     Video:The Darkest Hour | Official Trailer HD | 2011  

Have to say The Darkest Hour has me intrigued and it’s on my radar even more so as it is in 3D and looks spectacular. It has a great cast and I loved Timur Bekmambetor' s inventive Night Watch and Day Watch but do find his films a little too focused on making things look great but forsaking the heart of the story. I'm hopeful that The Darkest Hour bridges the two.

UK release Date: 13 January 2012

The Darkest Hour
Director: Chris Gorak
Writers: Jon Spaihts (screenplay), Leslie Bohem (story)
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby and Max Minghella

I managed to join the session about half way through:

Martha Marcy May Marlene
Haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult.

     Video: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE: Official HD  

This was the first I had heard anything of Martha Marcy May Marlene, it was haunting, full of melancholy and shot in a that you can’t help be mesmerized. It seems to be a taut psychological drama. Almost everyone from the outstanding Deadwood TV series is very watchable and indy favourite John Hawkes is no exception. It’s great to see him in larger roles.

UK release Date: 3 February, 2012

Martha Marcy May Marlene
Director: Sean Durkin
Writer: Sean Durkin (screenplay)
Stars: Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson and John Hawkes


Next up was another highlight of BIG SCREEN for me. We were treated to some footage from James Cameron’s re-mastered Titanic 3D.

Titanic 3D
A boy and girl from differing social backgrounds meet during the ill-fated maiden voyage of RMS Titanic.

I was struck by three things while watching the footage from Titanic 3D.

1. Wow! An almost unrecognizable Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio were young when they made Titanic.
2. The footage from Titanic 3D was absolutely phenomenal and I was awe struck along with the rest of the audience while watching the familiar scenes in a whole new way. James Cameron’s notorious attention to detail very clearly in full effect and Titanic 3D looks absolutely magnificent.
3. James Cameron, the richest man in the world is going to double, or triple his fortune with Titanic 3D. As everyone and their mother (including me) is going to be in the queue to see Titanic 3D

Initially when I heard James Cameron was going to release Titanic 3D I thought it was some kind of error and that someone had mistaken Ghosts of the Abyss one of Cameron’s underwater 3D documentaries about the Titanic for Titanic the film. I couldn’t conceive that Titanic, not only one of the most successful films of all time but considered a classic by many a film that relies mainly on performances and atmosphere rather than the visual aspects. And sure James Cameron and his team put a lot of effort into making both the sets and CG elements of the film look authentic but I think we would all agree that the performances and way Jack and Rose’s romance rolls out are the heart of Titanic. So why try turn that into 3D?

Well after watching the 3D footage I was again surprised by the maverick genius of James Cameron as he again takes a story with an ending we already know and make it a whole new experience for us to enjoy.

Titanic 3D is going to be absolutely awesome.

UK release Date: 6 April, 2012 - The day that marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail.

Titanic 3D
Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane

After the 20th Century Fox Showcase I decided to take a break and head down to the Live Quarter and see what was happening on Hollywood Boulevard and Studio City.

Empire Big Screen 20th Century Fox Showcase & Titanic 3D

The Establishing Shot: Empire Big Screen Arrival & Industrial Light & Magic Presentation For Star Wars™

Empire Big Screen Day 1Day 1 of Empire’s BIG SCREEN had come to an end. And what an absolutely marvelous day it was. Like all my Christmases rolled into one. Empire promised that this year the event formerly known as Movie-Con was going to be BIG (SCREEN) and it was. Taking all the elements I love about film and housing them under one roof.

     I was unsure of what to expect of BIG SCREEN, in previous years Movie-Con has been held on the fairly familiar territory of the BFI and I had grown quite familiar with its intimate and fun format. The Empire team proving to be just as much of a draw with their accessibility and friendliness as the mega stars that they brought along to interact with Movie-Con / BIG SCREEN audience.

     From what I can gather the above made for some special personal moments and memories for attendees that will stay with them for their rest of their lives. There are so many highlights and everyone’s personal highlights seem to be different, so it would be pointless for me to try distilling them down to a 10 point, slow motion, scored, montage here. Heck I might do that in another post. In fact yes I will do that (in another post).

     When it was announced that Movie-Con was going all BIG SCREEN and heading over to the O2 (the only man made structure visible from space in Greenwich, London) it was a bittersweet moment for me. I felt a little like I did when LOST or The Wonder Years ended or when I saw Star Wars™: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. And I slowly realised a part of my second childhood may be slipping away forever. Immediately concerns that my personal Movie-Con experience made with such seeming bespoke care and attention by the Empire team was to be replaced with a BIG SCREEN soulless corporate version of the event formerly known as Movie-Con.

     Much of this was derived from the fact that Movie-Con was a fairly effortless event for me – I could get from Door to door in about 25 Minutes. And for a £35 entry fee we didn’t mind knowing what was going to happen over the weekend or if there were changes or time frames were completely out of whack. I was just happy to be there and the Empire team smoothed any kinks out with their effortless professionalism and customary courteousness.

Empire Big Screen
Empire Big Screen    

The Establishing Shot: 2 Days till Empire’s BIG SCREEN

Empire Big ScreenWith only 2 days to go till Empire presents …… BIG SCREEN is unleashed onto eager film fans some further exciting announcements have been made.

     A personal favourite as we delve into the world of the last great British Hellraisers with:

Friday 12 August
10.00-10.45: HELLRAISERS: LIVE, with Robert Sellers and JAKe
In October, Self-Made Hero will release a truly unique graphic novel, HELLRAISERS. An illustrated version of Empire contributor, Robert Sellers' book about the legendary antics of Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed, it's a must-read. And a truly unique graphic novel deserves a truly unique event. To kick off COMIC BOOK WORLD, Robert Sellers and Hellraisers artist, JAKe, will perform a reading from the graphic novel, with JAKe drawing new and exclusive art LIVE on stage. Don't miss this amazing one-off to hear some hilarious tales of drunken derring-do and see magic happen before your eyes!

Another favourite of mine
Saturday 13 August
2:00 pm - ICON FILMS ENTERTAINMENT SESSION
Includes the top films from their unreleased portfolio for end of 2011 and 2012. Top directors, producers and actors present scenes and exclusive sneak-peek clips from their upcoming movies from the year ahead and 2012. These are hugely entertaining sessions with plenty of audience interaction and, to top it all, you’ll be the first of your friends to see the next big hit movies.

See exciting sequences from: Drive presented by director Nicolas Winding Refn LA-set,über-cool car thriller starring Ryan Gosling.

3.15pm: MOMENTUM SESSION - THE WOMAN IN BLACK
There will be some great footage and exclusives shown during the section of the panel, as well as a Q&A session with James Watkins and Susan Hill.

5.30pm: KICK-ASS Special Screening, with Very Special Guest Q&A
We're delighted to round off Saturday at Comic Book World with a very special screening of Matthew Vaughn's brilliant superhero flick, Kick-Ass. Based on Mark Millar's comic book, it's the movie that launched the careers of Aaron Johnson and Chloe Moretz, and is the funniest, punkiest, punchiest comic book flick in years. And as a bonus, the screening will be introduced by a Very Special Guest, who will also take part in a pre-screening Q&A.

Sunday 14 August
13.45-14.30: MEET THE CREATORS: MIKE CAREY, IAN EDGINTON, CHRIS WESTON
In this amazing panel, a trio of top comic book creators will come together to lift the lid on the secrets of the industry and answer all the questions you ever wanted to ask about comic books. Join writers MIKE CAREY (Hellblazer, Lucifer) and IAN EDGINTON (2000 AD, Self-Made Hero's SHERLOCK HOLMES adaptations) and top artist CHRIS WESTON (Fantastic Four: First Family, The Twelve) for this panel that promises to be both funny and insightful.

18.00-19.00pm: Terry Gilliam
The Monty Python legend and visionary filmmaker behind Time Bandits, Brazil, The Fisher King, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas and 12 Monkeys, will join us to talk about his career and give us the first word on his new project The Wholly Family. This is not to be missed.

16.30 – 17.15pm: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
There will be a fantastic showcase exploring the special creature effects as well as a fantastic announcement regarding the studio tour. This will also be something we will be following up through into the new year as this major attraction opens in Spring 2012.


 The Establishing Shot: 2 Days till Empire presents BIG SCREEN

Where:
The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX

When:
Friday 12 Aug - Sunday 14 August, 2010

More info & tickets:
Over at the http://www.empirebigscreen.com website
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireBIGSCREEN
Twitter: http://twitter.com/empirebigscreen

The Establishing Shot: Only 8 Days till Empire’s BIG SCREEN

Empire BIG SCREENDon’t be afraid to dream a little BIGger SCREEN, darling. The countdown on my home page tells me that there are only 8 days left till the biggest film event in the UK cinema calendar. I am of course referring to Empire presents ……. BIG SCREEN.

If you haven’t heard of BIG SCREEN yet I envy the pure joy and pleasure as you realise that that possibly one of the best film related events in the world is going to be held here right in our very own London and urge you to acquire tickets asap. If you have heard of BIG SCREEN I’m sure I’ll see you there.

BIG SCREEN the 3 day event previously known as Movie-Con is in its fourth year (and its first as BIG SCREEN). The first Movie-Con unfortunately falling on the same weekend that I was doing my hair so I missed it, but I have been to every one since and had an incomparably awesome experience as Empire have built up a fan base and a reputation as one of the greatest film events that money can buy you a ticket for.

Described as “SD Comic Con Business class” and this year is undoubtedly its biggest and greatest yet as it leaves the intimate and personal spaces of the BFI and takes over the entire O2 Dome (the only man made structure in Greenwich that can be seen from outer space). Empire have worked long and hard to bring Premieres, previews, talks and workshops with filmmakers as well exhibitions together for fans.

The full and no holds barred line up can be found over at the BIG SCREEN website here: http://www.empirebigscreen.com/home but below are some highlights.

Upcoming: Cine-Excess V Film Convention with Franco Nero and Ruggero Deodato

Cine-Excess VCine-Excess has been on my radar for some time, but for some reason I've never attended. Last year SCI-FI-LONDON Film Festival founder Louis Savy briefly introduced me to Legendary Director Joe Dante and when I found he was in town to take part in Cine-Excess IV. I made a mental note that I would need to look into Cine-Excess V. Well it's almost upon us and this year's theme and programme have been announced and it's pure cult all the way.

Cine-Excess, the annual International Conference on Global Cult Film returns to London at the end of May with Cine-Excess V – Subverting the Senses: The Politics and Aesthetics of Excess.

The event will take place at the Odeon Covent Garden and the Italian Cultural Institute, Belgrave Square, London from Thursday, 26th to Saturday, 28th May and will be attended by Guests of Honour, Italian acting legend Franco Nero (Django; Keoma; Die Hard 2) and controversial cult director Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust; The House On The Edge Of The Park).

The full line-up is:

Thurs 27 May
---------------------------
Censorship Debate: The House on The Edge of the Park.
Panel discussion on the controversial film with the director, Ruggero Deodato, author Prof Martin Barker, Craig Lapper (senior examiner at BBFC). Chaired by the international authority on censorship, Brunel University's Julian Petley. Although The House on The Edge of the Park is not scheduled to be screened I've added details below for reference.

The House on the Edge of the Park (1980)
Two lowlife punks invite themselves to a party at a posh villa and after being taunted by their snobbish hosts, hold everybody hostage and subject them to various torture and mayhem.

Director: Ruggero Deodato
Stars: David Hess, Annie Belle and Christian Borromeo

Time: 630pm -7.30pm
Venue: Odeon Covent Garden, London

Cannibal Holocaust Trailer

World premiere of the new cut of Cannibal Holocaust (18) and QA with director Ruggero Deodato
An anthropologist heads a rescue party into the South American jungle to find a missing film team making a documentary on cannibal tribes but can only return with their footage, which reveals their crueler intentions.

Director: Ruggero Deodato
Stars: Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi and Perry Pirkanen

Time: 8:30pm - 11pm
Venue: Odeon Covent Garden, London


Fri 27 May
---------------------------
A Quiet Place in the Country (18) (1969) Franco Nero will introduce the film.
Leonardo (Franco Nero) is a painter who retreats to a house in the country to regain his lost inspiration. He is plagued by the presence of an erotic apparition. The gorgeous ghost soon moves the painter to the point he wishes to carry on a relationship with her.

Leonardo is several bristles shy of a brush as he sinks deeper into insanity. Vanessa Redgrave and Gabriella Grimaldi also star in this story of madness and horror with an Ennio Morricone soundtrack.

Director: Elio Petri
Stars: Franco Nero, Vanessa Redgrave and Georges Géret

Time: 8:30pm - 11pm
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute. Belgrave Square, London

Django Trailer

Sat 28 May
---------------------------
Franco Nero on stage followed by screening of Django (1966)
The legendary Italian actor talks about his career in films and introduces Segio Corbucci's cult Spaghetti western, Django

Django (1966)
A coffin-dragging gunslinger enters a town caught between two feuding factions, the KKK and a gang of Mexican Bandits, and is caught up in a struggle against them.

Director: Sergio Corbucci
Stars: Franco Nero, José Bódalo and Loredana Nusciak

Time: 4:30pm - 6pm,
Venue: Odeon Covent Garden


Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man & QA with Ruggero Deodato
Director Ruggero Deodato, specially selected this film for the event.

Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man
Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man Poster

Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man
Fred and Tony are members of an elite 'special squad' of police in Rome, Italy whom are licensed-to-kill, undercover cops whom thrive on living dangerously.

Director: Ruggero Deodato
Stars: Marc Porel, Ray Lovelock and Adolfo Celi
Time: 9pm - 11:30pm
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute



About Cine-Excess
Organised by Brunel University in London, Cine-Excess brings together global cult film icons with international scholars in an event that features international filmmaker discussions, a three-day academic conference and UK theatrical premieres and exclusive screenings.

The theme of this year’s Cine-Excess is “Subverting the Senses: The Politics and Aesthetics of Excess”, which examines the theme of the controversial cult image in its political, historical and aesthetic contexts. With the resurgence of critical interest in the 1980s “video nasties”, as well as a whole new generation of films being subject to state control, the cult image is now a crucial index between the censor and the censored.

Both Franco Nero and Ruggero Deodato will be discussing their prolific careers in relation to these wider social trends and tensions at the event. Cine-Excess V will also feature a screening of Deodato’s controversial classic, “Cannibal Holocaust”, which is being released on Blu-ray by Shameless Films later this year.

Cine-Excess V
Where:
Odeon Covent Garden, 135 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8AH and Italian Cultural Institute, 39 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8NX

When:
Thurs 26 - Sat 28 May, 2011

More info:
Over at the www.cine-excess.co.uk website

Cine-Excess V

Cine-Excess V Film Convention with Franco Nero and Ruggero Deodato

Upcoming: Empire presents BIG SCREEN hints - UPCOMING EVENT

Empire BIG SCREENBig Screen the event formerly known as Movie-Con is going to be huge! Today I received official confirmation "that major motion picture studios such as Sony Pictures UK, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox have come on board to participate in the highly anticipated live movie event of the summer.

Scheduled to take place the weekend of 12-14 August, Empire presents...BIG SCREEN brings the best of Hollywood to The O2, London with a behind-the-scenes look at the movie world.

The unprecedented event will feature exclusive preview screenings, Q&A sessions and master classes with actors and filmmakers, giving ticket holders the opportunity to see the best that Hollywood has to offer, up close and personal, before anyone else.

Amongst those showcasing their upcoming films at the event will be Walt Disney Studios, Universal and Paramount Pictures.

Empire Presents Big Screen
Empire Presents Big Screen    

The Establishing Shot: Kapow! Comic Con Day 2:4/4 Best of the rest

Kapow Comic ConWe continued on our roam of Kapow! Popping into various stalls. Making our way through the main hall, down to the IGN Arena and back up past the signing tables and Artist Alley. Sunlight streaming through the sky lights making Kapow! the only naturally lit event of this kind I have been to.

Kapow! Had an impressive spectrum of comic representation covering high brow, trash, English, European, American - actually pretty much almost every nation, big name publishers, independents as well as some own published gems.

We made our way around the hall chatting comics, film and art with the various booth owners, accosting Cos players for photos as well as staring at comic legends at the signing tables.

Amongst the many well known talent signings there were young up and comers presenting their portfolios in hopes of getting some constructive feedback or being snapped up by a publishing house. There was a really good showing from genres and titles across the board.

The Establishing Shot: Kapow! Comic Con Day 2:3/4 Momentum Pictures Showcase

Kapow! Comic ConI left the Millarworld Panel a little early, as I was hoping to catch a bit of the Momentum Pictures Showcase happening next door in the auditorium. Before that I thought I would take a wander around the main hall and get a feel for Kapow! As it was much fuller by now.


Kapow! Comic Con Day 2 Sunday - Momentum Pictures Showcase

Momentum rolled out promo offering for five of their films for 2011. For the first 3 films Kapow! Audiences were only shown internet available trailers, nice to see in high quality on the big screen but after the trailers it got a lot more interesting when the panels started.

Hobo With A Shotgun
Against better judgment the fan made competition winning spoof trailer from Grindhouse has finally made it’s way on to the big screen. Having said that I have not seen any of the promo stuff so it could actually be quite good. I’m just glad that Jason Eisener is getting the chance to make a feature film.

A homeless vigilante blows away crooked cops, pedophile Santas, and other scumbags with his trusty pump-action shotgun.

The Establishing Shot: Kapow! Comic Con Day 2:2/4 The Millarworld Panel

Kapow! Comic ConLast Sunday was Day 2 of Kapow! Comic Con. Day 1 was flashy and full of big names and announcements and it looked like day 2 was going to be just as good but I was hoping not as full - with all the fair weather comic aficionado having their full of flash on Day 1.

I did feel a little regret about spending the day indoors as it was an absolutely beautiful day in London, as I made my way to the Angel Business Design Centre in Islington home of Kapow! Comic Con 2011.

As I made my way up the drive way to be greeted by a huge Green Lantern facade and if Kapow! had put this much thought and effort into the rest of the convention I knew I was in for a good day.
I head upstairs and immediately get a birds eye view of the whole centre - it’s big, there is lots to see and as it’s still fairly early not too packed yet. Below me is The IGN Arena comprised of the IGN panels and interviews stage, in front of it various sofas and viewing areas, on the right gaming set ups. Behind it filling the hall comics, graphic novels, paraphernalia, memorabilia and artists stands. As well as auditoriums and screening rooms which I couldn’t see from my view point.


While I was surveying the scene I noticed a young cosplay guy ironing out some wrinkles with his suit. I have to admire these Cosplay guys and the effort they make. They really do add to the atmosphere and it's just so cool to be in environment where people can show their passion so openly. I asked if he minded if I take a photo of him and he said of course yes but just wanted to get his suit ready first. I waited a little while but had to move on after a bit as time was ticking by.

I was keen to head down to the gaming set ups to demo some of the new games but one of the reasons I was at Kapow! Was about to start - The Millarworld Panel.

The Establishing Shot: Upcoming - Countdown to KAPOW! COMIC CON

KAPOW! COMIC CONKAPOW! Its finally happened. Looks like the UK is getting a fan convention that is going to hit the sweet spot. I am of course talking about Mark Millar's KAPOW! COMIC CON.


Along with the other fan conventions KAPOW! COMIC CON is making the UK the place to be for all things comic and superhero related. In case you are unsure of the awesomeness of Mark Millar he is - the Scottish fan boy that dropped out to chase his dream of being a comic writer and went from standing in line to get Alan Moore's autograph to MAJOR power player via Trident Comics, 2000AD, Fleetway, DC, DC's Wildstorm, Marvel and eventually his own line of comics published under his Millarworld banner. I haven't mentioned that his ascent was oiled by delivering some of the most engaging and generation defining stories of our time at each publisher - or his critical involvment in updating the Marvel Universe to its current more filmable sensibilities. A knack that he has carried over to his own titles like; Kick-Ass, Wanted, the soon to be a major motion picture Nemesis and in development War Heroes.

Millar is also behind CLiNT, a monthly magazine bringing the best existing & new comics talent together. It features hooks like Millar's worth the cover price alone; Kick-Ass 2, Nemesis & American Jesus, Jonathan Ross's 30s based Vampire vs. Super heroes saga Turf, Frankie Boyle's insane Rex Royd, Stewart Lee's The Property and merging it with hilarious un PC columns and articles; this month's issue includes interviews with the likes of David Mitchell, Stewart Lee & Kevin Smith, indepth looks at the ISS Enterprise and a personal favourite Vern's Guide to Badass Cinema; and much more!). Coming across as an international anarchic post meta human generation update on the traditional great British titles like; A Boys Own (not strictly for boys only though), Lion, Action, Hotspur, Tiger, Valiant, 2000AD, Revolver all rolled into one and then blended with Monty Python and The Twilight Zone. If some of the aforementioned titles are unknown to you. How I envy the undiscovered country that lies ahead of you. Issue 4 of CLiNT out now, with issue 5 expected to be unchained any day now and available from all decent magazine resellers.

The Establishing Shot: Movie-Con III - Day 1 - 127 Hours, A Town Called Panic , Never Let Me Go, Judge Dredd

Empire's Movie-Con? I hear you say In case you are unaware of Movie-Con it’s a weekend of film related goodness hosted by Empire Magazine at the BFI. Loosely basely on SD Comic-Con but described by Chris Hewitt (Empire’s News Editor and sharp witted Movie-Con host ) as “Comic-Con Business Class. It’s smaller, more intimate and bespoke.”

These sort of conventions are increasingly being used as a platform to engage with fans and early adaptors to generate buzz and gauge the early reaction for core audiences to titles.

Now in its third year Movie-Con has organically grown into a 3, well a 3 and a half days affair. The 300 or so Conner’s can expect an opening party, trailers, early footage, preview screenings, talks from the people behind the films and to interact with fellow film lovers.

To understand the utter awesomeness last year of Movie-Con amongst the early footage, previews (Funny People, Inglourious Basterds', The Hurt Locker, The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus) amongst other notables both Robert Downey Junior and Guy Ritchie popped in to talk about Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man. You can read my coverage of last year’s Movie-Con here!

With many big studios increasingly recognising that the in-roads to International Markets are opening up at a grass roots level – UK fans are getting more love and attention. The US still gets first dibs on the bulk of the pie, but we are increasingly seeing some of the good stuff earlier as well a lot of the home-grown stuff before the US. As examples of this; we got to see a teaser trailer for Danny Boyle’s awesome looking 127 Hours, footage from the future classic Brighton Rock, and exclusives like confirmation that Karl Urban is too be Judge Dredd and that Jason Flyming will be Azazel in Matthew Vaughn's upcoming X-Men: First Class.

Movie-Con is also a platform for smaller independent titles to be introduced to potential audiences last year we got to see bits and hear about the surreal Bunny and the Bull this year we were introduced to the just as mad but charming Belgian A Town called Panic.

Initially I was going to blog each day but found taking notes detracting from the main reason I was there (to enjoy and engage) as well as Empire have a blow by blow report of events up at the end of each day over here! Which actually frees me up to give my commentary of the proceedings rather than spend too much time on the details of what happened.

So onto Movie-Con III.

Day 1 round up:
Chris Hewitt opened Movie-Con with his customary jibes and the sparkling wit that has just earned him a contributor role on Film 2010, (back on screens in October). Highlighting the only 2 rules for Movie-Con:
  1. No cameras
  2. Go see all films presented twice
127 Hours
Danny Boyle and Producer Christian Colson opened up Movie-Con by showing us a teaser trailer for 127 Hours. In fact the trailer’s colour grading was only completed earlier in the day so that it could be seen at Movie-Con. Empire then told us that 127 Hours will be closing the London Film Festival this year. It was at about this point it dawned on me how great Movie-Con III was going to be.

127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's (James Franco) remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he is finally rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers (Clemence Poesy), family, and the two hikers (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet? - Fox Searchlight Pictures.
The teaser trailer is beautifully shot as we have come to expect from Danny Boyle it’s; bold, colourful, compelling, introduces us to a new world and incredibly well shot. It shows James Franco as a bold outdoors man mountain biking, he is clearly master of his domain, loving life. He meets 2 girls on a trail and takes them off the trodden path and more into Beach territory (we see them find there way into a crystal blue pool). He then jogs off on further adventures where it all goes horribly wrong. James Franco shines and women will want to be with him and men will want to be him. I loved the trailer and I can’t wait to see 127 Hours.

Danny Boyle and Christian Colson then went onto do a QA session for the 'Conners. Look the teaser trailer was great but the in all honesty the real draw was been able to listen to Danny Boyle talk, he was awe inspiring, incredibly engaging and inspirational talker. I would pay the price of film admission just to hear him talk. He had the crowd on the edges of their seats waiting on his next line.

Headlines from the QA:
  • The incident happened in 2003, he read the book in 2005 and has been wanting to make the film since then, he met with Aaron but only got the go ahead after Slumdog Millionaire and a scecond meeting.
  • He loved James Franco in Pineapple Express and there is a nod to this in 127 Hours
  • Making 127 Hours was a real challenge as there is no relying on locations, villains, huge sets or incidental characters
  • Two camera men were used to create a protagonist/antagonist relationship
  • Boyle wants the audience to feel they are with Aaron for 127 hours
  • The film shoot and post production was compressed, shooting started on March 15 and it will Premiere on September 12.
  • The measurement of success of 127 Hours is: will the audience root for Aaron to do the unthinkable? I’m paraphrasing to avoid possible spoilers.
  • He would like to do an original musical and possibly an animated film
  • He would not be making another Sci-Fi Film (Booooo!)
  • Sci-Fi fans are really hard to please
I have met Danny Boyle and this audience interaction pretty much sums up this bold film-making genius:

Audience Member: Hello, I’m from (same town as Boyle) and I was wondering of you had any advice for film-makers starting out? This could be considered by many to be a fairly lame and generic question (there was actually an audible sigh, when he asked). But bear in mind that this might be the guys only opportunity to ask his hero (or someone he greatly respects) a question, whose answer may make the world of difference to him.

Danny Boyle responds in kind:
  • Work with your mates, peers, people whose opinions you respect.
  • Keep at it, keep at it, keep at it
  • It’s weird you sit down there, looking up here at the people on the stage thinking “I’ll never get up there, they won’t open the door for me. But there is no door. Keep at it and one day you’ll be sitting up here and some young guy will be asking you the same question one day”
Being the opening night, every one still finding their feet at Movie-Con and everything happening quickly So the only part of Danny Boyle’s huge personality that may not have come across is just how done to how down earth he is.

Hammer & Tongs present: A Town Called Panic.
I didn’t know anything about A Town called Panic - apart from that it was recently screened as part of Film4’s Outdoor Summer Screen Festival at Somerset House on a double bill with Team America.

The Establishing Shot: London Film and Comic Con 2010 Review

“E! Are reporting from Comic-Con and Brad Pitt’s there now. Who reported from your (London Film and) Comic Con?” My girlfriend asked me a couple of days ago while watching E! She was of course referring to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) vs. The London Film and Comic Con (LDFCC). My mumbled response somewhat deflating the grand and exotic picture I had excitedly painted of my experience at LFCC the weekend before. “Err!! A couple of bloggers by the look of things”. Naturally this spurrned me on to create this post.
“LFCC takes place every summer (over a weekend) at Earls Court 2 in London. Celebrating the best of film, television, comics and sport, London Film and Comic Con is a day out unlike any other, giving you the chance to meet your idols, ask them questions as well as grabbing the latest film/tv/comic merchandise on the market.”
So on Sunday in between Lovebox days I made my way to the Earls Court conference centre. LFCC London Film and Comic Con was back and better than ever. This year the convention covered a smaller area than the huge space in previous years. But nevertheless was capital. Some astounding guests, loads of comics, film memorabilia, talks, art, sci-fi, super heroes, Cosplay, sneak previews and an exhibition from DC comics.

I missed last year’s convention but this year the draw proved too much.

As with previous years the arena was divided up into different zones; The Signing Zone, Anime Zone, Photo shoot Zone, Artists Alley, Video Game Zone, Talk Area, Cosplay Zone, Dealer Zone.

I arrived at the Earls Court conference centre hoping to breeze in as in previous years but arrived a little earlier than anticipated and had to join the long queue to get in. As with previous years crowd control was conducted by the Empire’s finest ensuring that Trekkie scum were dutifully harassed and that all was kept in order. All the while various characters from across comics, film, Sci-Fi and Manga either queuing up or interacting with the visitors.

Upcoming: London Film & Comic Con 2010

London Film & Comic ConKatee Sackhoff, who played Starbuck in the 'Re-Imagined' version of Battlestar Gallactica will be appearing at this years London Film & Comic Con.

LFCC takes place every summer at Earls Court 2 in London. Celebrating the best of film, television, comics and sport, London Film and Comic Con is a day out unlike any other, giving you the chance to meet your idols, ask them questions and have your photograph taken with them as well as grabbing the latest film/tv/comic merchandise on the market.

This year for an event that is promising some big names, with William Shatner already announced, as well as a 30th Anniversary celebration of 'Empire Strikes Back'. You can join in the fun of Cosplay and dress up as your film, tv or comic book idol - don't be shy, or you can simply marvel at the many costumes that will be on display in the Cosplay Zone. There will be some of the top artists demonstrating their skills in Artists Ally, and there might even be some cool props from the latest films on display - don't forget your camera!

Hitchcon'09 - Celebrating 30 Years of The Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy


Get yourself a ticket for the biggest party the unfashionable end of the galaxy has ever seen and join best-selling author Eoin Colfer – creator of criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl – and actor Simon Jones, the original Arthur Dent, in a celebration of 30 years of the late, great Douglas Adams’ classic British comedy. This’ll be your first chance to see, hear and buy the sixth instalment, And Another Thing... by Eoin Colfer.

With other out-of-this-world entertainment throughout the day – including special free screenings of the Hitchhiker’s series in The Clore Ballroom – this is one event no self-respecting lover of classic British comedy will want to miss.



Events include:
Photo Call
Start the day at a photocall of the largest number of Hitchhiker's fans ever.

Session 1: The Douglas Adams Chat Show
A full panel of Hitchhiker’s experts and friends of Douglas Adams discusses the great man and his work.

Booksigning: Mega-signing of the fantastic new edition of the first five Hitchhiker's novels.

Sessions 2 & 3 (And Another Thing... & Hitchhikers Live On Stage!)
The sixth book in the series, special guests and a live gig – Sessions 2 & 3 of our day-long celebration of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Booksigning: Eoin Colfer
Buy the new sixth book in the series a day before everyone else and get it signed by Eoin Colfer.



Where
The Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

When
Sunday 11 October, 2009

Movie-Con II 2009: Video Highlights

The official Empire Movie Con II video.

BFI & Empire Movie-Con 2 : Day 2 - EVENT REPORT

BFI EMPIRE MOVIE CON 2 DAY 2 T he full schedule for Movie Con 2 can be found over here on Empire's website. Below are my highlights from day 2:

Day 2 started with a flash of fury, explosions and red metal, that's right! Some seriously awesome clips from Iron Man 2 were on display introduced by Robert (I'm in town to shoot some additional scenes for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes) Downey Jr. Unfortunately I was late and missed what was a highlight of day 2.


The legendary Kim Newman ran his now infamous Movie Quiz with the precision of a T800 which was loads of fun. One of the prizes was for a winner's name to be used in Mr. Newman's next novel.

Next up was a clip from the super tense Hurt Locker and Q&A with Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal. Loosely based on Boal's experiences in Baghdad. Hurt Locker is refreshingly direct and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It could be seen as a natural progression to Point Break.

Optimum rolled out a hilarious and heartwarming presentation for Bunny And The Bull. Hosted by Director Paul King and Star Simon Farnaby. If you are looking for something that lands somewhere between a holiday, run by The Mighty Boosh filmed by Michel Gondry.

"Bunny & the Bull is a road movie set entirely in a flat. Stephen Turnbull hasn't been outside in months. Living with a painfully restrictive routine, he refuses to interact with the world or think about the past. When a sudden infestation of mice forces him to change his ways, he finds his mind hurtling back to the disastrous trek around Europe he undertook with his friend Bunny, a womanising, gambling-addicted booze-hound. Unable to stem the flood of memories, Stephen’s flat becomes the springboard for an extraordinary odyssey through landscapes made up of snapshots and souvenirs, from the industrial wastelands of Silesia to the bull fields of Andalusia. A story of love, disillusionment, stuffed bears and globalised seafood, Bunny & the Bull is an offbeat and heartfelt journey to the end of the room."

Next Director/Writer Stuart Hazeldine introduced Exam.


"Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. Entering a windowless room, an Invigilator gives them eighty minutes to answer one simple question. He outlines three rules they must obey or be disqualified: don't talk to him or the armed guard by the door, don't spoil their papers and don't leave the room. He starts the clock and leaves. The candidates turn over their question papers, only to find they're completely blank. After the initial confusion has subsided, one frustrated candidate writes 'I believe you should hire me because...,' and is promptly ejected for spoiling. The remaining candidates soon figure out they're permitted to talk to each other, and they agree to cooperate in order to figure out the question: then they can compete to answer it. At first they suspect the question may be hidden in their papers like a security marker in a credit card, and they figure out ways to change their environment to expose the hidden words. But light, liquids and other plans all come to naught. Soon enough, the candidates begin to uncover each other's background, prejudices and hidden agendas. Tensions rise as the clock steadily descends towards zero, and each candidate must decide how far they are willing to go to secure the ultimate job." Tense stuff.

The end of the day closed with a 3D spectacular! You should know that I love 3D! Even the crappiest film in the world can become wonderful by either showing it in IMAX or 3D format. I have never seen a bad 3D film at the IMAX. Even the big screen 3D trailers are Worth the entry alone. So what if this new push towards 3D was engineered by Hollywood marketeers to revitalise the industry and shaft Movie piracy. I love it. The final hour and a half of of Movie Con was spectacular. In order:

Disney presented; The trailer & loads of footage from the mind boggling A Christmas Carol, the trailer for Toy Story 3, and footage from the much talked about Up.

Welcome back Flynn!
Then we were shown the 3D trailer/footage from Tron Legacy ! This was the same bootleg footage that haunted the net after Comic Con last year and was recently released onto the net in high def. Except that this was in 3D on a BIG screen! Tron Legacy looks like it will be worth the 27 year wait.




Finally we were treated to footage from Jim Cameron's 4 years in the making AVATAR. Stolen from Empire's blog:

"James Cameron recorded a short introduction, just for Movie-Con II, to two scenes of footage from Avatar, due out in December. We wouldn’t be exaggerating too far if we say that jaws hit the floor. The first, short scene gave a flavour to the threat in the film: Stephen Lang’s Colonel Quaritch explaining to newcomers just how dangerous the world of Pandora is, and telling them frankly that they won’t all make it out alive. Then we saw Jake Sully’s (Sam Worthington) Avatar alive and working in the jungles of the planet. Having faced off one rhino*/hammerhead shark added by me:)*-looking beastie, he’s surprised by the much more dangerous spider-lynx looking monster, and a spectacular chase scene occurs. We also get a glimpse there of Sigourney Weaver’s Grace in action: check the next issue of Empire for more on that.

Naturally, we had to see that again, so we rewound and went for a second go." The team also let us know that there would be more & different footage shown on AVATAR day this Friday. Info here!

All that is left for me to say is thank you Empire & BFI. I had a wonderful time. Next year please bring some display cases and props with you. I'm just saying.

The Establishing Shot: BFI & EMPIRE MOVIE-CON 2 DAY 2 - EVENT REPORT


Wanna fight?
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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Updated : Movie-Con 2 - Day 1 Triangle Presentation



In my previous round up of Movie Con 2 Day 1 I omitted to mention that Christopher Smith (Severance, Creep) gave us a taste of his new film Triangle. If the tension of Creep is maintained with the added dimension of Smith's intention to take you somwhere new, works out. Be prepared to have your mind thrown, dropped and kicked. Triangle will premiere as the opening film for the Film4 FrightFest on Thursday August 27, 2009. More info here!

BFI & Empire's Movie-Con 2 kicked off today



Today the much anticipated Movie Con 2 kicked off. I'm still reeling from the mind blowing Film goodness of day 1.

The BFI & Empire Magazine have pulled off another collaborative coup for film lovers. The second Movie Convention is heading to all time greatness.

Movie Con is a annual collaborative effort between the BFI & Empire Magazine. It takes place just after after Comic Con (San Diego) at the BFI on the Southbank in London. This means that the organisers can cherry pick the best of Comic Con as well add some good stuff. It's held for film fans and the core content covers forth coming features in the Super Hero, Horror, Fantasy, Sci Fi, blood and Cult genres.

Empire have a much better run down of today's schedule over here. But today's events have roused me from my Blog laziness of late and mention must be made of some of the key events:

Trailers & footage from Astroboy. Over the last 18 months I have been hearing the buzz about the animated Astroboy feature but had no real interest in this remake of a 60s Japanese TV show. After today's clips I'll be seeing this gem. It will enthrall kids & older kids alike. It had the audience oohing, aahing & laughing in all the right places.



Harry Brown Presentation. Harry Brown is a new film from British filmmaker Daniel Barber and stars Sir Michael Caine. The film is about an elderly veteran that due to circumstances decides to do something about his neighbourhood that has been over run by young yobs.

Coming across as a modern day version of Michael Winner's Death Wish with big boots, genuinely threatening yobs, knuckledusters and big guns. The clip we saw made it clear this was a quality production with outstanding performances Sir Michael and the blinding Sean Harris as a very, very scary low life (think Drexel nastier brother, the love child of Travis Bickle & Myra Hindley on crack). I recently saw Tonto Woman the brilliant short that Daniel Barber adapted from an Elmore Leonard story. He received an Oscar nomination for it. I'm looking forward to seeing Harry Brown in full as well as anything else Daniel Barber serves up. Think Peckinpah with a social conscience.



Next up the indomitable genius "Still not a Sir" Terry Gilliam showed us some mind melting clips from The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. Seems to be a true return to form for Mr Gilliam whose tribulations of getting his film made rival anything you have seen on screen. Doctor Parnassus recaptures the magic of Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen with a dash of sensibility from The Fisher King.

* When re-watching the classic Spies Like Us keep an eye out for Terry Gilliam as Dr. Imhaus.



Kick Ass Presentation. Put together by the Stardust team & Brad Pitt, independently financed, directed by Matthew Vaughn, written by Jane Goldman (Mrs Johnathan Ross but a super talent in her own right) & Mark Millar. Kick Ass promises to turn the Super Hero genre upside down. Referencing the both comic & film super heroes, eastern sensibilities and the slacker/Clerks space. The Kick Ass clips shown deliver in the holy Triumvirate of modern super hero genre: high action, humour & blood stakes.

I was surprised thaty neither Jane Goldman or Matthew Vaughn did not pitch up but enjoyed Editor Jon Harris' presentation and chat with Christopher Mintz-Plasse (yes that's right McLovin) and Jason Flemyng. I'm slightly annoyed I didn't get a chance to quiz Flemyng about Clash of the Titans & Solomon Kane both of which I am eagerly waiting for.

The super secret screening
I guessed that this year's secret screening was going to be District 9 - D9. I have been curious about D9 for awhile Weta and Peter Jackson's name should have made this a dead cert but South African films tend to do emotional small films well and haven't really shone in the high action or sci fi genre as yet. D9 changes that - whilst being true to it's African setting it shines at being a high adventure sci fi romp that has it's roots firmly planted in complex social issues. Google "District 6" & "Africa xenophobia" for sight of the bigger picture.




Originally Jackson and Director Neil Blomkamp were to make HALO: Combat Evolved when that fell through they decided to remake an earlier Blomkamp short film "Alive in Joburg".




* Sharlto Copley whio plays D9 lead Wikus Van De Merwe is not a trained actor and was a producer on Alive in Joburg.

Next up was Warner Bros screening of the Jonah Hex trailer. I've been waiting for this film for about 20 years.

Jonah Hex is a scarred Mad Max by way of Dirty Harry in the West that was on the wrong side during the Civil war. This makes fior an intresting character seeking redemption.

The trailer looked good but it could still go either way the newly added occult plot devices are a bit of a concern. I'm holding off on judgment for now.




Finally and "saving best for last" Robert Downey Junior & Guy Ritchie made an appearance to introduce an extended trailer for Sherlock Holmes. They were in good spirits and played off each other like a comedic duo rather than Star and Director. And well they should be in high spirits the Sherlock Holmes footage was everything it needed to be. My only query would be that it seemed fairly light and didn't really show any darkness that usually haunts Victorian era pea soap London. Possibly emulating the very successful Iron Man's formula? I'm holding thumbs.
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