Famous Monsters Of Filmland » BBC

Supernatural Undead Drama in BBC America’s “THE FADES”

Justin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:30 +0000

BBC America steps into the genre game on January 14th with THE FADES, a coming of age story with a supernatural twist. And zombies. Iain De Caestecker plays Paul, a young man coming to terms with his very unusual abilities, which lead him into some dark adventures.

Synopsis (courtesy BBC America):
“THE FADES is a coming-of-age fantasy drama showcasing the supernatural skills of a reluctant teenager named Paul (as played by Iain De Caestecker). His best friend, Mac (Daniel Kaluuya), as well as his therapist, are completely stunned by the apocalyptic dreams that he’s been having. His twin sister Anna (Lily Loveless) is also unsympathetic of his socially awkward behavior.

As if things aren’t difficult enough, Paul is seeing the spirits of the dead (known as Fades) all around him. An embittered Fade finds a way to break the barrier between the dead and the living, aiming its vengeance at Paul, Mac and their loved ones. Soon the fate of humanity rests in the hands of the two best friends, who already have enough trouble getting through the day in one piece, let alone saving the world.”

Enjoy the trailer and some stills (courtesy BBC America) from season 1.

Sherlock Holmes Headed To Space In “STAR TREK 2″

Justin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:33:40 +0000

Benedict Cumberbatch, the titular detective in BBC’s SHERLOCK, Smaug in THE HOBBIT, and all around busy guy (add roles in WAR HORSE, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, and WRECKERS to that list of current projects), has landed a role in JJ Abram’s STAR TREK 2. Variety reports he is likely filling the villainous void left when Benecio Del Toro walked from the production, but no official role has been announced.

Other attached cast members include Simon (SHAWN OF THE DEAD) Pegg as Scotty, Zoe (AVATAR) Saldana reprising her role as Uhura, Chris Pine again as Captain Kirk, and Zachary Quinto as Spock for another round. Peter (ROBOCOP) Weller’s name is also attached to the cast list. May 17, 2013 is the expected release date for the sequel to Abram’s 2009 hit.

HARRY POTTER Director To Make DOCTOR WHO Movie

Elvis — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:27:23 +0000

David Yates director of the final four HARRY POTTER films is gearing up to adapt the classic sci-fi BBC series DOCTOR WHO for the big screen. Yates told Variety that he’d be teaming up with head of the L.A. division of BBC Worldwide Productions, Jane Tranter.

“We’re looking at writers now. We’re going to spend two to three years to get it right,” quoth Yates. “It needs quite a radical transformation to take it into the bigger arena.”

The original series DOCTOR WHO ran from 1963-1989. The series was then rebooted in 2005 by writer Russel T. Davies proceeded Steven Moffat (one of the writers on TINTIN), with the reboot overseen by Tranter. However, the movie adaptation will have nothing to do with the new show, and is building from the ground-up.

“Russell T. Davies and then Steven Moffat have done their own transformations, which were fantastic, but we have to put that aside and start from scratch,” also noting: “The notion of the time-travelling Time Lord is such a strong one, because you can express story and drama in any dimension or time.”

There’s been two films based on the original series (both starring Peter Cushing), but any recent attempts to make a feature have met defeat. (Outside of a TV Movie in 1996.) In many ways it reminds me of a British AKIRA. But with Yates at the helm, we could be seeing something happen radically soon. Are you excited about the prospect of your favorite doctor hitting the cineplex? Do you hope the movie borrows more from the old show or the new series? Tell us in the comments!

Netflix to Stream THE WALKING DEAD, BEING HUMAN

Marc — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:33:21 +0000

Netflix today announced a deal with AMC Networks to begin streaming seasons of THE WALKING DEAD in the U.S. and Canada. As of today, the first season of the critically acclaimed hit series has already been made available to be watched instantly.

“Netflix is already the streaming home of Mad Men and Breaking Bad in the U.S. and Latin America,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “AMC’s programming sensibilities have struck a chord with our members and with the overall viewing public.”

AMC Networks president and CEO Josh Sapan: “This agreement supports the cable “ecosystem” by making our content available to Netflix nearly a year following the linear premiere, it brings our content to a wider audience, and it provides additional revenue to support production of new shows.”

Subsequent seasons of the show will go online just prior to future premiere dates. For instance, Season 2 airs this October on AMC, and it will be released to Netflix presumably in 2012, just prior to the cable premiere of Season 3.

In addition to The Walking Dead, AMC has also acquired the rights to various scripted and unscripted programs from the whole AMC Networks empire, which includes IFC, Sundance, and WE Tv. The announcement comes just a day after Netflix announced their expansion into streaming content from across the United Kingdom, snapping up the rights to BBC television program BEING HUMAN and its American SyFy channel cousin.

Considering all the bad press Netflix has been getting lately what with its price hikes and Qwikster name changes, it’s clear they’re making an aggressive effort to both appease current subscribers and gain new ones. Hopefully such a run will continue with even more big announcements.

BBC Talent to appear at Comic-Con 2009

Danielle — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:35:03 +0000

Guess who’s attending this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego?

In support of BBC America’s U.S. Premiere of four Doctor Who specials, the Doctor himself, David Tennant, will appear alongside writer/executive producer Russel T. Davies at the 2009 pop culture event. They will take part in a Doctor Who panel along with executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn, Sunday, July 26 10:00-11:00 PT.

You can also catch Davies and Gardner at a panel for Torchwood, alongside director Euros Lyn, Sunday, July 26 2:15-3:45 PT.

At the same panel, check out the talent from the sci-fi drama Being Human. Creator and Writer, Tobey Whithouse, lead actors Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlo and Aidan Turner will give you the scoop on what it’s like to play characters with double lives as a werewolf, vampire and ghost. All four of these panelists are also signing exclusively at the BBC America booth, Saturday, July 25 3:00-4:00 PT.

For the first time, cult comedy favorite and BAFTA-nominated, The Mighty Boosh, is coming to Comic-Con. On Friday, July 24 from 4:45-5:45 the creators and actors will hold a discussion about their magical world. They’ll even sign autographs beforehand in the autograph area.

Check out what’s coming up next at this year’s 2009 Comic-Con in San Diego.

Kaimira to Become Global Phenomena

Dominic — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:38:39 +0000

Kaimira, a series of children fantasy books, has been signed by BBC Worldwide to be turned into the next great licensing phenomenon. The deal, signed with Star Farm Productions, will include TV, online, MMOG gaming and feature films. The books, starting with Kaimira: The Sky Village, Book One is written by Star’s Chris Rettstatt under the pseudonym Monk Ashland and Nigel Ashland. The book series will come from Walker Books and Candlewick Press starting in July.

Television Catch-Up

Dominic — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:07:18 +0000

Ronald D. Moore is gearing up for his next act, following the conclusion of Battlestar Galactica. He’s received a two-hour pilot order form Fox for a series called Virtuality. Produced by Universal Studios, the series is about a dozen astronauts aboard Earth’s first starship. As the Phaeton heads out beyond the solar system, each astronaut is plugged into a virtual world to gain new experiences and try on other personas. That is, until something goes wrong with the programming. Moore will executive produce along with Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun, and Michael Taylor. Casting will begin shortly with production slated for July.

Fans of Torchwood can look forward to an assortment of toys now that BBC Worldwide has signed with Underground Toys as their North American and UK licensee. Look for action figures and minimates mugs, key chains, plastic replica items, playing cards and resin busts based on characters and settings from the show, which just completed airing its second season.