Cult crime-action franchise Rise Of The Footsolider is heading to Ibiza for its seventh instalment, which will see Craig Fairbrass back as Pat Tate, heading to the Spanish island to track down the villains responsible for a friend’s murder.
Rise Of The Footsolider: Ibiza is being sold by the UK’s Carnaby International, and is a direct sequel to 2023’s Rise Of The Footsolider: Vengeance. Nick Nevern returns to direct, with Andrew Loveday producing.
Anthony Skordi reprises his role as Mo from Rise Of The Footsoldier: Vengeance, with production set to begin at the end of 2024. Tate will be...
Rise Of The Footsolider: Ibiza is being sold by the UK’s Carnaby International, and is a direct sequel to 2023’s Rise Of The Footsolider: Vengeance. Nick Nevern returns to direct, with Andrew Loveday producing.
Anthony Skordi reprises his role as Mo from Rise Of The Footsoldier: Vengeance, with production set to begin at the end of 2024. Tate will be...
- 5/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
Brisk addition to the British gangster franchise dials down the misogyny and ups the dramatic stakes
This is the sixth instalment in this very British, peripheral gangster franchise set in the 1990s, and maybe I’m going soft but it feels like the quality of the film-making has gone up a skoosh since the last effort, Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins. There is still a lot of repetitive fighting, stabbing and killing sequences – the fans wouldn’t watch if there weren’t – but this time round the script by Andrew Loveday and Jason Maza has more focus and dramatic heft. There’s less crude misogyny (although ladies in lingerie still abound on the fringes of the screen thanks to scenes set in strip clubs), and there’s even an outright queer-sympathetic plot line about a boxer named Billy the Kid (Ben Wilson) who moonlights as a drag queen but is...
This is the sixth instalment in this very British, peripheral gangster franchise set in the 1990s, and maybe I’m going soft but it feels like the quality of the film-making has gone up a skoosh since the last effort, Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins. There is still a lot of repetitive fighting, stabbing and killing sequences – the fans wouldn’t watch if there weren’t – but this time round the script by Andrew Loveday and Jason Maza has more focus and dramatic heft. There’s less crude misogyny (although ladies in lingerie still abound on the fringes of the screen thanks to scenes set in strip clubs), and there’s even an outright queer-sympathetic plot line about a boxer named Billy the Kid (Ben Wilson) who moonlights as a drag queen but is...
- 9/15/2023
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Signature Entertainment has dropped a trailer for the next instalment in the long-running action franchise ‘Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance.’
Pat Tate embarks on a rampage to avenge his loyal and trusted footsoldier’s violent death, venturing beyond his comfort zone of Essex into the dark side of 90s Soho to track down the villain responsible. Set to execute his revenge, Tate will stop at nothing even as the world around him starts to explode.
Also starring Jamie Foreman (Layer Cake), George Russo (Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins), Ben Wilson (Wednesday), Stephen McCole (Vigil), Sadie Frost (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), Tara Fitzgerald (Legend), ArrDee, Josh Myers (Fighting With My Family), Emily Wyatt (The Last Heist), Geoff Bell (RocknRolla), Anthony Skordi (The Offer) and Phil Davis (Vera Drake).
Nick Nevern directs (Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins) from a screenplay by Andrew Loveday and Jason Maza.
Also in trailers – “First things first…” Red...
Pat Tate embarks on a rampage to avenge his loyal and trusted footsoldier’s violent death, venturing beyond his comfort zone of Essex into the dark side of 90s Soho to track down the villain responsible. Set to execute his revenge, Tate will stop at nothing even as the world around him starts to explode.
Also starring Jamie Foreman (Layer Cake), George Russo (Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins), Ben Wilson (Wednesday), Stephen McCole (Vigil), Sadie Frost (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), Tara Fitzgerald (Legend), ArrDee, Josh Myers (Fighting With My Family), Emily Wyatt (The Last Heist), Geoff Bell (RocknRolla), Anthony Skordi (The Offer) and Phil Davis (Vera Drake).
Nick Nevern directs (Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins) from a screenplay by Andrew Loveday and Jason Maza.
Also in trailers – “First things first…” Red...
- 8/24/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Agency is for both above and below-the-line talents, focusing on feature films.
UK sales agent Carnaby International has teamed with veteran producer Colin Vaines and production firm Haymarket Films, makers of the Rise Of The Footsoldier franchise, to launch Carnaby Talent, an agency for above- and below-the-line professionals.
The agency will focus on giving emerging talents their first opportunities in feature films, with a route to production and distribution through the two firms. It will be run in partnership with commercial real estate firm Southern Grove, which will look to support emerging creatives who live outside of major cities while...
UK sales agent Carnaby International has teamed with veteran producer Colin Vaines and production firm Haymarket Films, makers of the Rise Of The Footsoldier franchise, to launch Carnaby Talent, an agency for above- and below-the-line professionals.
The agency will focus on giving emerging talents their first opportunities in feature films, with a route to production and distribution through the two firms. It will be run in partnership with commercial real estate firm Southern Grove, which will look to support emerging creatives who live outside of major cities while...
- 5/17/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
A theatrical release is planned for autumn.
Nick Nevern’s latest instalment from cult crime film series Rise Of The Footsoldier has been picked up by Signature Entertainment in the UK and Ireland from UK sales outfit Carnaby International, for an autumn theatrical release.
Signature and Carnaby International has also released a first look image.
Rise Of The Footsolider: Vengeance is produced by Andrew Loveday, with Craig Fairbrass back in the leading role of notorious criminal Pat Tate alongside George Russo, Geoff Bell, Phil Davis, Jamie Foreman, Stephen McCole, Sadie Frost, Tara Fitzgerald and Anthony Skordi.
Pat is on a...
Nick Nevern’s latest instalment from cult crime film series Rise Of The Footsoldier has been picked up by Signature Entertainment in the UK and Ireland from UK sales outfit Carnaby International, for an autumn theatrical release.
Signature and Carnaby International has also released a first look image.
Rise Of The Footsolider: Vengeance is produced by Andrew Loveday, with Craig Fairbrass back in the leading role of notorious criminal Pat Tate alongside George Russo, Geoff Bell, Phil Davis, Jamie Foreman, Stephen McCole, Sadie Frost, Tara Fitzgerald and Anthony Skordi.
Pat is on a...
- 5/17/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Projects include the next instalment from the ‘Footsoldier’ franchise.
UK-based Carnaby Sales and Distribution is handling worldwide sales rights to three thrillers, all produced by Carnaby CEO Andrew Loveday through UK production outfit Haymarket Films.
Heavyweight is the feature debut of Nigerian-Lebanese director Christopher M. Anthony, produced by Tiernan Hanby alongside Loveday. It stars Nicholas Pinnock, who is also co-producing the project through his outfit Silver Milk Productions.
The film is about a boxing coach who prepares an underdog for a career-defining boxing championship match, as their world starts to collapse under the pressure.
Further titles include Tate: Two Days Of Blood,...
UK-based Carnaby Sales and Distribution is handling worldwide sales rights to three thrillers, all produced by Carnaby CEO Andrew Loveday through UK production outfit Haymarket Films.
Heavyweight is the feature debut of Nigerian-Lebanese director Christopher M. Anthony, produced by Tiernan Hanby alongside Loveday. It stars Nicholas Pinnock, who is also co-producing the project through his outfit Silver Milk Productions.
The film is about a boxing coach who prepares an underdog for a career-defining boxing championship match, as their world starts to collapse under the pressure.
Further titles include Tate: Two Days Of Blood,...
- 5/20/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Saban Films has nabbed North American rights to the thriller “Summit Fever,” starring Ryan Phillippe and directed by Julian Gilbey.
Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley and producer Marc Goldberg brokered the deal.
The story of an English climber who, along with his friends, sets out to conquer “the Big Three” – the Matterhorn, the Eiger and Mont Blanc — but they hit deadly challenges. Freddie Thorp and Mathilde Warnier co-star. The pic, currently in post-production, was shot at altitudes as high as 3,000 meters-plus above sea level, and the cast trained as climbers.
Andrew Loveday, Tiernan Hanby and Marc Goldberg produced.
“We’re thrilled to work with such a talented director. Julian’s passion and climbing expertise are evident throughout this adrenaline-filled adventure,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “With stellar performances from the cast who fully committed to their roles and trained to climb ahead of filming, we’re excited to share ‘Summit Fever’ with North American audiences.
Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley and producer Marc Goldberg brokered the deal.
The story of an English climber who, along with his friends, sets out to conquer “the Big Three” – the Matterhorn, the Eiger and Mont Blanc — but they hit deadly challenges. Freddie Thorp and Mathilde Warnier co-star. The pic, currently in post-production, was shot at altitudes as high as 3,000 meters-plus above sea level, and the cast trained as climbers.
Andrew Loveday, Tiernan Hanby and Marc Goldberg produced.
“We’re thrilled to work with such a talented director. Julian’s passion and climbing expertise are evident throughout this adrenaline-filled adventure,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “With stellar performances from the cast who fully committed to their roles and trained to climb ahead of filming, we’re excited to share ‘Summit Fever’ with North American audiences.
- 11/1/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Production started this week on the fifth title in the ’Footsoldier’ series.
UK actors Keith Allen and Chris Hughes have joined the cast of franchise title Rise Of The Footsoldier: Origins as shooting got underway in Southend-on-Sea this week.
The pair join previously announced cast Craig Fairbrass and Vinnie Jones in the fifth title in the Rise Of The Footsoldier series, which began in 2007.
This outing takes the story back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, showing how three men united to form their own football hooligan gang in Essex.
Allen will play the owner of nightclub Raquel’s,...
UK actors Keith Allen and Chris Hughes have joined the cast of franchise title Rise Of The Footsoldier: Origins as shooting got underway in Southend-on-Sea this week.
The pair join previously announced cast Craig Fairbrass and Vinnie Jones in the fifth title in the Rise Of The Footsoldier series, which began in 2007.
This outing takes the story back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, showing how three men united to form their own football hooligan gang in Essex.
Allen will play the owner of nightclub Raquel’s,...
- 10/23/2020
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Fifth instalment of the British crime franchise set for release in 2021.
Vinnie Jones has joined the cast of UK crime drama Rise Of The Footsoldier: Origins, which is set to begin shooting in October.
The fifth instalment in the popular franchise will explore how the notorious Essex Boys first united in the late 1980s. Directed by Nick Nevern, whose credits include The Hooligan Factory, who also co-wrote the script with producer Andrew Loveday, it will be released in the UK by Signature Entertainment in 2021.
Jones will play Bernard O’Mahoney, a real-life character who was associated with one of the three...
Vinnie Jones has joined the cast of UK crime drama Rise Of The Footsoldier: Origins, which is set to begin shooting in October.
The fifth instalment in the popular franchise will explore how the notorious Essex Boys first united in the late 1980s. Directed by Nick Nevern, whose credits include The Hooligan Factory, who also co-wrote the script with producer Andrew Loveday, it will be released in the UK by Signature Entertainment in 2021.
Jones will play Bernard O’Mahoney, a real-life character who was associated with one of the three...
- 8/27/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Debut feature from the production company is crime drama ‘The Big Ugly’.
UK actor Vinnie Jones has launched 4G Vision, a new $100m production company with Us writer-director Scott Wiper.
The two are working with co-producer Michael Downey and Michigan-based entrepreneur Gregg Gibson Williams, who provides the four G’s in 4G Vision and the financing.
The company’s first project is Wiper’s crime drama The Big Ugly starring Jones, which is set for theatrical and VOD release in the UK and Us through Vertical Entertainment on July 24 and July 31 respectively.
They are also developing a $25m female-led action...
UK actor Vinnie Jones has launched 4G Vision, a new $100m production company with Us writer-director Scott Wiper.
The two are working with co-producer Michael Downey and Michigan-based entrepreneur Gregg Gibson Williams, who provides the four G’s in 4G Vision and the financing.
The company’s first project is Wiper’s crime drama The Big Ugly starring Jones, which is set for theatrical and VOD release in the UK and Us through Vertical Entertainment on July 24 and July 31 respectively.
They are also developing a $25m female-led action...
- 7/13/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
The fifth instalment of the British gangster series set for release in 2021.
UK gangster franchise Rise Of The Footsoldier is set to be rebooted with a new cast.
The new feature, which has the working title Footsoldier Millennium, is in advanced development and is set to be released in late 2021 by Signature Entertainment.
Carnaby International will handle sales on the film and Nick Nevern, the director and star of The Hooligan Factory, is attached to direct.
It will mark the fifth instalment of the low budget, ultra-violent gangster series, which began with Julian Gilbey’s Rise Of The Footsoldier in...
UK gangster franchise Rise Of The Footsoldier is set to be rebooted with a new cast.
The new feature, which has the working title Footsoldier Millennium, is in advanced development and is set to be released in late 2021 by Signature Entertainment.
Carnaby International will handle sales on the film and Nick Nevern, the director and star of The Hooligan Factory, is attached to direct.
It will mark the fifth instalment of the low budget, ultra-violent gangster series, which began with Julian Gilbey’s Rise Of The Footsoldier in...
- 1/9/2020
- by 57¦Geoffrey Macnab¦41¦
- ScreenDaily
’Rise Of The Footsoldier: The Spanish Heist’ is being sold by Carnaby International.
In a deal finalised just before Afm, British gangster film Rise Of The Footsoldier: The Spanish Heist, which is being sold by Carnaby International, has been bought for North America by Vertical Entertainment, which is planning a theatrical release.
The film is a standalone prequel to the earlier Rise Of The Footsoldier crime action dramas and stars Craig Fairbrass, Terry Stone and Roland Manookian. Signature Entertainment is releasing in the UK on November 8 under the title Rise Of The Footsoldier 4: Marbella.
Carnaby International is also handling...
In a deal finalised just before Afm, British gangster film Rise Of The Footsoldier: The Spanish Heist, which is being sold by Carnaby International, has been bought for North America by Vertical Entertainment, which is planning a theatrical release.
The film is a standalone prequel to the earlier Rise Of The Footsoldier crime action dramas and stars Craig Fairbrass, Terry Stone and Roland Manookian. Signature Entertainment is releasing in the UK on November 8 under the title Rise Of The Footsoldier 4: Marbella.
Carnaby International is also handling...
- 11/7/2019
- by 57¦Geoffrey Macnab¦41¦
- ScreenDaily
The fourth instalment of the franchise presents a further unedifying parade of guns, geezers and gore
It’s the mid-90s, and the pill supply is drying up at the Essex nightclub run by gangster hardman and newly minted ex-con Pat Tate (Craig Fairbrass), along with his henchpals Tony (Terry Stone) and Craig (Roland Manookian). Tate toodles over to Spain in search of revenge on past associate Harris (see the last Footsoldier film), only to find his nemesis is no more. Recently risen mobster Terry has taken over Harris’s place in the chain of command as well as his icy-hearted, coked-up lady friend.
Terry offers Tate an in on a big drug deal, if he can get his goofy underlings Tony and Craig to bring the cash over from the UK without losing it on the way on sex workers in Amsterdam. Much sniffing, shagging, snickering and throat slitting ensues,...
It’s the mid-90s, and the pill supply is drying up at the Essex nightclub run by gangster hardman and newly minted ex-con Pat Tate (Craig Fairbrass), along with his henchpals Tony (Terry Stone) and Craig (Roland Manookian). Tate toodles over to Spain in search of revenge on past associate Harris (see the last Footsoldier film), only to find his nemesis is no more. Recently risen mobster Terry has taken over Harris’s place in the chain of command as well as his icy-hearted, coked-up lady friend.
Terry offers Tate an in on a big drug deal, if he can get his goofy underlings Tony and Craig to bring the cash over from the UK without losing it on the way on sex workers in Amsterdam. Much sniffing, shagging, snickering and throat slitting ensues,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Carnaby International will handle international sales, with CAA and Verve Ventures co-repping North American rights.
Highway, the thriller from Lotus Eaters director Alexandra McGuinness, has been picked up for international sales by UK outfit Carnaby International. CAA and Verve Ventures are co-repping rights for North America.
Eiza Gonzalez (Baby Driver) and Lucy Fry (Bright) star with Josh Hartnett (Pearl Harbor), Christian Camargo (The Hurt Locker), Blake Berris (Breaking Bad), Sheila Vand (Argo) and Antonia Campbell-Hughes (Bright Star).
Written and directed by McGuinness and now in post-production, the film follows two women who live in a small desert town that has...
Highway, the thriller from Lotus Eaters director Alexandra McGuinness, has been picked up for international sales by UK outfit Carnaby International. CAA and Verve Ventures are co-repping rights for North America.
Eiza Gonzalez (Baby Driver) and Lucy Fry (Bright) star with Josh Hartnett (Pearl Harbor), Christian Camargo (The Hurt Locker), Blake Berris (Breaking Bad), Sheila Vand (Argo) and Antonia Campbell-Hughes (Bright Star).
Written and directed by McGuinness and now in post-production, the film follows two women who live in a small desert town that has...
- 5/9/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Molinare’s Mark Foligno hired as head of post-production and development.
UK sales and production outfit Carnaby International has launched a joint-venture with production facilities provider Focus24 that will see the companies team on a £12m post-production and VFX fund.
Mark Foligno, former managing director of London post-production house Molinare, has been hired to head up the new arm as head of post-production and development.
The hire follows the recent edition of Tim Grohne to the Carnaby team, who joined last year as president of international sales and production.
The alliance between Andrew Loveday, CEO of Carnaby International, and Ben Mitchell, CEO of Focus24, follows the latter’s acquisition of camera and lighting company Filmscape, which will allow Carnaby to offer projects post-production services as well as camera hire.
The £12m fund has been raised by Carnaby from private sources and producers will be able to apply for funding to cover their post and VFX costs in return...
UK sales and production outfit Carnaby International has launched a joint-venture with production facilities provider Focus24 that will see the companies team on a £12m post-production and VFX fund.
Mark Foligno, former managing director of London post-production house Molinare, has been hired to head up the new arm as head of post-production and development.
The hire follows the recent edition of Tim Grohne to the Carnaby team, who joined last year as president of international sales and production.
The alliance between Andrew Loveday, CEO of Carnaby International, and Ben Mitchell, CEO of Focus24, follows the latter’s acquisition of camera and lighting company Filmscape, which will allow Carnaby to offer projects post-production services as well as camera hire.
The £12m fund has been raised by Carnaby from private sources and producers will be able to apply for funding to cover their post and VFX costs in return...
- 2/17/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: UK duo partner on sequels following lucrative home entertainment bows.
UK distributor Signature Entertainment and UK sales outfit Carnaby International are teaming on two genre projects due to enter production this summer.
Rise Of The Footsoldier: The Beginning will act as a prequel to 2007 crime feature Rise Of The Footsoldier, charting the story of the Essex Range Rover murders and gang member Pat Tate.
The film will see the return of Craig Fairbrass (St. George’s Day) as Tate as well as Julian Gilbey (A Lonely Place To Die) who wrote and directed the original film as writer and producer.
UK distributor Signature Entertainment and UK sales outfit Carnaby International are teaming on two genre projects due to enter production this summer.
Rise Of The Footsoldier: The Beginning will act as a prequel to 2007 crime feature Rise Of The Footsoldier, charting the story of the Essex Range Rover murders and gang member Pat Tate.
The film will see the return of Craig Fairbrass (St. George’s Day) as Tate as well as Julian Gilbey (A Lonely Place To Die) who wrote and directed the original film as writer and producer.
- 6/15/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Us exec joins from Warner Brothers distributor, Shooting Stars.
Carnaby International Sales & Distribution has appointed Lorianne Hall as senior sales and acquisitions manager.
Hall joins the UK distributor and international sales agent from Middle Eastern Warner Brothers distributor, Shooting Stars Theatrical Distribution where she headed up acquisitions.
Reporting directly into Carnaby’s director of international sales, Tania Sarra, as well as joint CEOs Andrew Loveday and Sean O’Kelly, Hall will be responsible for multi-territory sales of Carnaby’s new to market and film library as well as working with the CEOs on acquisitions of commercial and theatrical projects.
Hall’s first market with Carnaby will be the Cannes Marche in May.
The appointment follows a two-year stint at Shooting Stars and Scandinavian distributor Scanbox Entertainment, where she was responsible for the acquisitions of The Little Prince, Belle, Philomena, The Raid, It Follows, Incendies, Animal Kingdom, The Artist, The Place Beyond The Pines and the Taken franchise...
Carnaby International Sales & Distribution has appointed Lorianne Hall as senior sales and acquisitions manager.
Hall joins the UK distributor and international sales agent from Middle Eastern Warner Brothers distributor, Shooting Stars Theatrical Distribution where she headed up acquisitions.
Reporting directly into Carnaby’s director of international sales, Tania Sarra, as well as joint CEOs Andrew Loveday and Sean O’Kelly, Hall will be responsible for multi-territory sales of Carnaby’s new to market and film library as well as working with the CEOs on acquisitions of commercial and theatrical projects.
Hall’s first market with Carnaby will be the Cannes Marche in May.
The appointment follows a two-year stint at Shooting Stars and Scandinavian distributor Scanbox Entertainment, where she was responsible for the acquisitions of The Little Prince, Belle, Philomena, The Raid, It Follows, Incendies, Animal Kingdom, The Artist, The Place Beyond The Pines and the Taken franchise...
- 2/22/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Metrodome inks UK deal with Carnaby for Spain-set thriller.
Metrodome Distribution has acquired UK rights to thriller Blood Orange, starring iconic singer-songwriter Iggy Pop (Coffee And Cigarettes), Kacey Barnfield (Resident Evil: Afterlife), Ben Lamb (Divergent) and Antonio Magro (Titanic).
The deal was struck between Carnaby International’s CEO Andrew Loveday together with Metrodome’s managing director Jezz Vernon.
Coinciding with Iggy Pop’s 2016 world tour, Blood Orange is due to be released in April or May.
The UK pact follows deals in Us (Invincible), Scandinavia (Sandrew Metronome), Korea (Entermode) and Australia/Nz (Eagle).
Produced by Chris Bunyan and Gary Sangha Blood Orange is directed and written by first-timer Toby Tobias. Colin Vaines (Gangs of New York) is an executive producer.
Set in the hills of southern Spain, Blood Orange follows the life of an ageing rock star and his younger, beautiful wife. However, beneath the perfect surface of their lives, dark secrets...
Metrodome Distribution has acquired UK rights to thriller Blood Orange, starring iconic singer-songwriter Iggy Pop (Coffee And Cigarettes), Kacey Barnfield (Resident Evil: Afterlife), Ben Lamb (Divergent) and Antonio Magro (Titanic).
The deal was struck between Carnaby International’s CEO Andrew Loveday together with Metrodome’s managing director Jezz Vernon.
Coinciding with Iggy Pop’s 2016 world tour, Blood Orange is due to be released in April or May.
The UK pact follows deals in Us (Invincible), Scandinavia (Sandrew Metronome), Korea (Entermode) and Australia/Nz (Eagle).
Produced by Chris Bunyan and Gary Sangha Blood Orange is directed and written by first-timer Toby Tobias. Colin Vaines (Gangs of New York) is an executive producer.
Set in the hills of southern Spain, Blood Orange follows the life of an ageing rock star and his younger, beautiful wife. However, beneath the perfect surface of their lives, dark secrets...
- 2/17/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Iraq war action-thriller gets new sales company. Ray Liotta comedy-drama Sticky Notes also joins slate.
UK sales outfit Carnaby has acquired world rights to long-gestating Simon West (Con-Air) action-thriller Thunder Run.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winning correspondent David Zucchino’s non-fiction book Thunder Run - The Armored Strike To Capture Baghdad, the script has been adapted by Black Hawk Down screenwriter Ken Nolan and Robert Pot (Numb3rs).
Jib Polhemus and Harry Stourton will produce under the Simon West Productions banner together with Carnaby’s Sean O’Kelly and Andrew Loveday. Production is planned for Q1, 2017, with casting underway and Carnaby planning a buyer presentation in Berlin.
Set in 2003 Iraq, Thunder Run is the story of the capture of Baghdad by American forces at the onset of the Iraq War.
Carnaby has also boarded world rights to comedy-drama Sticky Notes starring Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Rose Leslie (Game Of Thrones), Justin Bartha (The Hangover) and Gina Rodriguez ([link...
UK sales outfit Carnaby has acquired world rights to long-gestating Simon West (Con-Air) action-thriller Thunder Run.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winning correspondent David Zucchino’s non-fiction book Thunder Run - The Armored Strike To Capture Baghdad, the script has been adapted by Black Hawk Down screenwriter Ken Nolan and Robert Pot (Numb3rs).
Jib Polhemus and Harry Stourton will produce under the Simon West Productions banner together with Carnaby’s Sean O’Kelly and Andrew Loveday. Production is planned for Q1, 2017, with casting underway and Carnaby planning a buyer presentation in Berlin.
Set in 2003 Iraq, Thunder Run is the story of the capture of Baghdad by American forces at the onset of the Iraq War.
Carnaby has also boarded world rights to comedy-drama Sticky Notes starring Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Rose Leslie (Game Of Thrones), Justin Bartha (The Hangover) and Gina Rodriguez ([link...
- 2/11/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Iain Glen cast in a modern take on Othello, set in the world of the music business.
Principal photography has begun in east London psychological thriller Beautiful Devils and will shoot until July 5.
The modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello is set in the world of the contemporary music business, with a cast that includes Iain Glen, seen most recently in Game of Thrones but also known for his roles in Resident Evil and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
The cast also includes Osy Ikhile (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation), Elliot James Langridge (Northern Soul), Rachel Hurd-Wood (Peter Pan) and Danny Horn (Emmerdale) as well as comedian Rufus Hound in his debut feature and Steve Waddington (The Imitation Game).
Produced by London-based Ascension Productions, Beautiful Devils is directed by James Marquand and produced by Ascension’s Craig Tuohy alongside Carnaby International’s Andrew Loveday, Mike Loveday and Terry Loveday.
Carnaby International has worldwide sales and distribution rights.
A theatrical...
Principal photography has begun in east London psychological thriller Beautiful Devils and will shoot until July 5.
The modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello is set in the world of the contemporary music business, with a cast that includes Iain Glen, seen most recently in Game of Thrones but also known for his roles in Resident Evil and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
The cast also includes Osy Ikhile (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation), Elliot James Langridge (Northern Soul), Rachel Hurd-Wood (Peter Pan) and Danny Horn (Emmerdale) as well as comedian Rufus Hound in his debut feature and Steve Waddington (The Imitation Game).
Produced by London-based Ascension Productions, Beautiful Devils is directed by James Marquand and produced by Ascension’s Craig Tuohy alongside Carnaby International’s Andrew Loveday, Mike Loveday and Terry Loveday.
Carnaby International has worldwide sales and distribution rights.
A theatrical...
- 6/8/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Black Angel first seen as a short at theatrical screenings of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
A short film shown before screenings of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, is to be adapted into a new feature film starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) and John Rhys-Davis (Lord of the Rings).
Black Angel: The Feature Film has partnered with crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to launch a 45-day campaign aimed at raising $100,000 (£66,000) which goes live from today http://igg.me/at/blackangel.
Production is slated for September 2015, with filming locations to include Hungary, Belgium, Morocco and Scotland.
Carnaby International will handle worldwide sales and distribution on the film, which is a co-production between Belgium, Hungary, Canada and UK.
The film will be directed and written by Roger Christian, who wrote and directed the original short and won an Oscar for his work on the art/set decoration of the original Star Wars in 1977.
Rewards in the crowdfunding...
A short film shown before screenings of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, is to be adapted into a new feature film starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) and John Rhys-Davis (Lord of the Rings).
Black Angel: The Feature Film has partnered with crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to launch a 45-day campaign aimed at raising $100,000 (£66,000) which goes live from today http://igg.me/at/blackangel.
Production is slated for September 2015, with filming locations to include Hungary, Belgium, Morocco and Scotland.
Carnaby International will handle worldwide sales and distribution on the film, which is a co-production between Belgium, Hungary, Canada and UK.
The film will be directed and written by Roger Christian, who wrote and directed the original short and won an Oscar for his work on the art/set decoration of the original Star Wars in 1977.
Rewards in the crowdfunding...
- 6/2/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
John Rhys-Davies and Rutger Hauer have joined the cast of "Black Angel," a feature-length version of the short film that was first attached to screenings of "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980.
A 45-day campaign has begun on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo in the hopes of getting together some supplemental financing for "Black Angel: The Feature Film". Roger Christian, who penned and directed the original short, will return in those capacities here.
A Belgium, Hungary, Canada and U.K. co-production, the film aims to be shot in an "earthy and authentic style combining high adventure with high drama". Production is slated for September in Hungary, Belgium, Morocco and Scotland.
The story follows a knight who undertakes a classic hero’s journey to fight the Black Angel, the Demon Kings commander in the lands of Serandal. Guided by a sorcerer and the daughter of a rival king, they take on an epic adventure.
A 45-day campaign has begun on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo in the hopes of getting together some supplemental financing for "Black Angel: The Feature Film". Roger Christian, who penned and directed the original short, will return in those capacities here.
A Belgium, Hungary, Canada and U.K. co-production, the film aims to be shot in an "earthy and authentic style combining high adventure with high drama". Production is slated for September in Hungary, Belgium, Morocco and Scotland.
The story follows a knight who undertakes a classic hero’s journey to fight the Black Angel, the Demon Kings commander in the lands of Serandal. Guided by a sorcerer and the daughter of a rival king, they take on an epic adventure.
- 6/2/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Signature takes UK rights to gangster sequel.
Carnaby has taken world sales rights to action crime-thriller sequel Rise of the Footsoldier Part II, starring Ricci Harnett (28 Days Later), Luke Malby (The Prince and Me) and Steven Berkoff (Red 2).
Signature Entertainment has snapped up UK distribution rights in a deal secured by Carnaby’s joint CEO, Andrew Loveday, together with Signature’s CEO, Marc Goldberg.
Carnaby will have extended promo footage of the title about a man who must fight to regain his place in the criminal underworld in Cannes.
The first Rise of the Footsoldier has sold close to 1 million copies in the UK.
Also new to Carnaby’s slate is Charles Burmeister’s action-thriller Mercury Plains, set to star Scot Eastwood (Gran Torino), Nick Chinlund (Con Air) and Angela Sarafyan (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn); crime-thriller North V South, produced by Mark Foligno; and fantasy-adventure Arthur & Merlin.
Carnaby has taken world sales rights to action crime-thriller sequel Rise of the Footsoldier Part II, starring Ricci Harnett (28 Days Later), Luke Malby (The Prince and Me) and Steven Berkoff (Red 2).
Signature Entertainment has snapped up UK distribution rights in a deal secured by Carnaby’s joint CEO, Andrew Loveday, together with Signature’s CEO, Marc Goldberg.
Carnaby will have extended promo footage of the title about a man who must fight to regain his place in the criminal underworld in Cannes.
The first Rise of the Footsoldier has sold close to 1 million copies in the UK.
Also new to Carnaby’s slate is Charles Burmeister’s action-thriller Mercury Plains, set to star Scot Eastwood (Gran Torino), Nick Chinlund (Con Air) and Angela Sarafyan (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn); crime-thriller North V South, produced by Mark Foligno; and fantasy-adventure Arthur & Merlin.
- 5/13/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Carnaby to be world sales agent on action-comedy from the director of Con Air and Expendables 2.
London-based Carnaby Sales & Distribution has partnered with Simon West Productions as worldwide sales agent on action-comedy Salty,which is set to begin principal photography in Thailand from Q4 2015.
Directed by Simon West (Con Air, Expendables 2), the film follows a reformed sex-addict muso who is persuaded to take a holiday in Thailand by his wife, a former supermodel. Things take a turn for the worse when she’s kidnapped by Thai pirates raising money to buy a new boat.
Mark Haskell Smith’s original script, adapted from his novel of the same name, has been reworked by West and comedy writer Toby Davies (That Mitchell and Webb Look).
The sales agreement was struck by Carnaby joint CEOs Sean O’Kelly and Andrew Loveday, together with West, Harry Stourton and Jib Polhemus of Simon West Productions.
Pre-sale negotiations...
London-based Carnaby Sales & Distribution has partnered with Simon West Productions as worldwide sales agent on action-comedy Salty,which is set to begin principal photography in Thailand from Q4 2015.
Directed by Simon West (Con Air, Expendables 2), the film follows a reformed sex-addict muso who is persuaded to take a holiday in Thailand by his wife, a former supermodel. Things take a turn for the worse when she’s kidnapped by Thai pirates raising money to buy a new boat.
Mark Haskell Smith’s original script, adapted from his novel of the same name, has been reworked by West and comedy writer Toby Davies (That Mitchell and Webb Look).
The sales agreement was struck by Carnaby joint CEOs Sean O’Kelly and Andrew Loveday, together with West, Harry Stourton and Jib Polhemus of Simon West Productions.
Pre-sale negotiations...
- 3/9/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Truth Commissioner to star Roger Allam, Julian Rhind Tutt.
Carnaby sales and distribution has picked up two new titles heading into the Efm.
Thriller The Truth Commissioner, set to begin production in March in Belfast and Dublin, is due to star Roger Allam, Julian Rhind Tutt andBarry Ward in the story of a career diplomat who must navigate complex history and feuding when he is appointed Northern Ireland Truth Commissioner.
The deal was secured today by Carnaby International’s CEO, Sean O’Kelly, together with Big Fish Films’ Eoin O’Callaghan.
Produced in in association with Northern Ireland Screen, The Irish Film Board, The Broadcast Authority of Ireland and BBC N. Ireland, the film is adapted from David Park’s novel and will be directed by Declan Recks.
David Collins, Eoin O’Callaghan and Kevin Jackson produce.
Also new to the slate is supernatural thriller, The Haunting of Borley Rectory, about one of...
Carnaby sales and distribution has picked up two new titles heading into the Efm.
Thriller The Truth Commissioner, set to begin production in March in Belfast and Dublin, is due to star Roger Allam, Julian Rhind Tutt andBarry Ward in the story of a career diplomat who must navigate complex history and feuding when he is appointed Northern Ireland Truth Commissioner.
The deal was secured today by Carnaby International’s CEO, Sean O’Kelly, together with Big Fish Films’ Eoin O’Callaghan.
Produced in in association with Northern Ireland Screen, The Irish Film Board, The Broadcast Authority of Ireland and BBC N. Ireland, the film is adapted from David Park’s novel and will be directed by Declan Recks.
David Collins, Eoin O’Callaghan and Kevin Jackson produce.
Also new to the slate is supernatural thriller, The Haunting of Borley Rectory, about one of...
- 2/6/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise star in the family adventure that will shoot spring 2015.
A new spin on the Heidi franchise, starring Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise, has been sold throughout the world by Carnaby International.
Family adventure Heidi and the Magic Pool has been snapped up by one major distributor, which Carnaby declined to name, that comprises the UK; Australia and New Zealand; France; Benelux; the Czech Republic; Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland; Greece; Portugal; Slovakia; Scandinavia; India, Israel, South Africa, Turkey; Hong Kong; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Taiwan; Thailand; Vietnam; and all of Latin America.
Carnaby International’s director of international sales, Tania Sarra, has also concluded deals with the Middle East (Gulf Film), Indonesia (Pt Prima Cinema), Spain (Flins y Piniculas) and the countries of the former Yugoslavia (Discovery).
Carnaby has also announced an April 2015 start for the film, a UK-Hungarian co-production filming in both those countries. Discussions are ongoing...
A new spin on the Heidi franchise, starring Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise, has been sold throughout the world by Carnaby International.
Family adventure Heidi and the Magic Pool has been snapped up by one major distributor, which Carnaby declined to name, that comprises the UK; Australia and New Zealand; France; Benelux; the Czech Republic; Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland; Greece; Portugal; Slovakia; Scandinavia; India, Israel, South Africa, Turkey; Hong Kong; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Taiwan; Thailand; Vietnam; and all of Latin America.
Carnaby International’s director of international sales, Tania Sarra, has also concluded deals with the Middle East (Gulf Film), Indonesia (Pt Prima Cinema), Spain (Flins y Piniculas) and the countries of the former Yugoslavia (Discovery).
Carnaby has also announced an April 2015 start for the film, a UK-Hungarian co-production filming in both those countries. Discussions are ongoing...
- 11/10/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Carnaby International has come on to sell two films under its deal with filmmaker Stuart Brennan — football drama London Town and He Will Hang.
Brennan will write London Town and Studio 82 will produce the story of an aging player who has plied his trade in the Us and moves back to the Premier League. Production is set for February in Philadelphia, Brazil and the UK.
He Will Hang will also shoot in 2015 and is based on Terry Deary’s upcoming novel about a reporter who races to save one of the last men to be sentenced to death by hanging in the UK.
Brennan will direct from his adaptation of Dreary’s novel. Mark Paul Wake and David Izatt produce.
Carnaby co-CEOs Andrew Loveday and Sean O’Kelly attend the market with director of international sales Tania Sarra and head of acquisitions Alex Tate.
Brennan will write London Town and Studio 82 will produce the story of an aging player who has plied his trade in the Us and moves back to the Premier League. Production is set for February in Philadelphia, Brazil and the UK.
He Will Hang will also shoot in 2015 and is based on Terry Deary’s upcoming novel about a reporter who races to save one of the last men to be sentenced to death by hanging in the UK.
Brennan will direct from his adaptation of Dreary’s novel. Mark Paul Wake and David Izatt produce.
Carnaby co-CEOs Andrew Loveday and Sean O’Kelly attend the market with director of international sales Tania Sarra and head of acquisitions Alex Tate.
- 11/7/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Carnaby to launch sales on Ptsd soldier drama at Afm.
London-based Carnaby Sales and Distribution has acquired worldwide sales rights to British feature Tomorrow, presented by Martin Scorsese.
The film, which began production in London last week, includes Stephen Fry amongst its cast and marks the directional debut of Martha Pinson, Scorsese’s script supervisor since The Aviator in 2004.
The deal was secured by Carnaby joint CEO Sean O’Kelly with Roaring Mouse Productions’ Sebastian Street, Stuart Brennan, and Dean Woodford as part of a three-picture deal.
Carnaby will handle worldwide rights for the film, excluding the Us, which is being handled by William Morris Endeavor (Wme).
Sales will launch at the American Film Market (Afm) (Nov 5-12), where Carnaby will screen the first footage from the film to select international buyers.
Produced by London-based Roaring Mouse Productions and Studio 82, Tomorrow marks the first British film to be executive produced by Scorsese.
The script...
London-based Carnaby Sales and Distribution has acquired worldwide sales rights to British feature Tomorrow, presented by Martin Scorsese.
The film, which began production in London last week, includes Stephen Fry amongst its cast and marks the directional debut of Martha Pinson, Scorsese’s script supervisor since The Aviator in 2004.
The deal was secured by Carnaby joint CEO Sean O’Kelly with Roaring Mouse Productions’ Sebastian Street, Stuart Brennan, and Dean Woodford as part of a three-picture deal.
Carnaby will handle worldwide rights for the film, excluding the Us, which is being handled by William Morris Endeavor (Wme).
Sales will launch at the American Film Market (Afm) (Nov 5-12), where Carnaby will screen the first footage from the film to select international buyers.
Produced by London-based Roaring Mouse Productions and Studio 82, Tomorrow marks the first British film to be executive produced by Scorsese.
The script...
- 9/29/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Our International Sales Agent (Isa) of the Day coverage is back again for this year's Cannes Film Festival. We will feature successful, upcoming, innovative and trailblazing agents from around the world, and cover the latest trends in sales and distribution. Beyond the numbers and deals, this segment will also share inspirational and unique stories of how these individuals have evolved and paved their way in the industry, and what they envision for the new waves in global cinema.
The fiery business maverick Andrew Loveday of Carnaby Films has a big message for the dinosaurs of the global film industry; be afraid. Be very afraid!
Andrew is here to create big change in the global film industry, and the time is right for his intentions. Banking partners have just committed 75 million a year to finance Carnaby's whole slate. He closed this deal here at the Cannes Film Festival with the help of his team members Tania Sarra (Director of International Sales), Alex Tate (Head of Acquisitions) and Sean O'Kelly (CEO).
This is incredibly exciting for global cinema because Carnaby only represents films of rich and high standards and has one of the best lineups at Cannes this year, including Damascus Cover, Tom Thumb and A Love of Money.
Andrew shares how he got his start, his philosophy and his honest and raw observations of the film sales world:
How did Carnaby start?
Carnaby was born fifteen years ago. I started it with my father Mike, and my cousin Terry. We worked for another film company, and then we decided to setup on our own. We started by raising the funds for a small budget movie of 200,000 dollars. We ended up raising 3.5 million instead; it blew our minds. It literally started from nothing. There was no plan, and now 13 years later, we've made 14 extremely rich films. The last one was Angel, and then there was The Wee Man, which got four BAFTA nominations and won two BAFTA awards for best film and audience award.
Then we realized after twelve years in the market, all our investors were asking, "Hey Andy, the film's out on the shelf. It's everywhere. Where's our money???" We thought, "Oh, actually... We don't know. We'll go speak to our sales company." Then we asked the sales company, and they blew us of with "Oh... You know, it's a tough time in the market...but talk to that guy. He'll know." Then we'd go talk to that guy, and another, and another and get more of the same; so, it took us twelve to thirteen years to realize that we need to be in charge of our films.
I setup the international sales side of Carnaby in November last year. We launched the company at Afm. I got all my titles back from all the sales agents at other companies and decided to launch Carnaby Sales and Distribution. Our first title that we took to the market was Panzer 88, written by Peter Bricks with producers Gary Kurtz and Ivor Powell (Star Wars, Alien and Blade Runner). We went to Afm, and everybody went "Wow! These guys have a 40 million dollar movie with Gary Kurtz and Ivor Powell. They're not sales agents!" Now, seven months later, here I am in Cannes with my sales and distribution arm.
My star of the company is Tania Sarra, who will be given the Future Industry Leader award on the 23rd. The international film community voted for her, and she deserves it because she's a brilliant and hardworking woman.
What does Carnaby have to offer producers?
My message for producers is that I'll help to make your film, and make sure that you get every single penny you deserve. We all know reputation is everything in a small industry where information goes around like wildfire. This is why, all of a sudden, stunning and unique projects are starting to flood in. We're working with established masters: Gary Kurtz, Ivor Powell, Anthony Wade and Roger Christian, plus a whole bunch of up and coming producers full of innovative ideas. There's no luck involved. These producers come to us because they know we're honest. We're very down to earth, and we don't get frustrated.
What is your philosophy on making films happen?
To sell really great films, you have to go out and get them. I really believe that you are what you eat, in anything you do. If you say, "Oh, I'm going to do small films, and that's all I'll ever do" then that's the market you'll be in. The market has changed so much over the last five to ten years with low budget movies. Everyone goes on the bandwagon of "I want to make another Blair Witch or Paranormal Activity." All it does is swamp the market so bad, that when you get to the consumer at the end of it, people say, "I'm not going to give my fifteen dollars for that film, because I know it's going to be a low budget and no good."
What do you see happening in the industry these days?
What I see in the industry is a very worrying time for a lot of the independent distributors. I think they're frantic and wondering what to do, because most of the new independent and smaller labels out there (especially in sales and distribution) can't afford to sustain their business on the 25-30 cent royalties of a DVD in a market where the DVD is going extinct. They've got overheads and staff; they don't have enough money to do a theatrical release.
People aren't fast to go to the cinema to see an art house or small indie movie unless it's got so much PR and movement internationally; people aren't really interested in it because they can watch it on TV for three pounds. You've got HBO on the Internet, Netflix. Smart TVs etc. The small distribution companies now want to produce their own movies so they can own it all, then they try to be producers. This is problematic because they're not film producers and never have been. They're accountants, clerks and marketing people running around like headless chickens, because they're trying to make movies. They're not always creative, and they think they are. They think, "Let's make a movie, because we know what we want and we know what sells." They saturate the market with poor films, and you are what you eat. If you keep putting shit into the market, after a while people won't go to the theatre. Consumers can only be cheated so many times, and these companies are actually a very big part of their own destruction. All they're doing is fueling a diminishing market in DVDs, which causes it to diminish even quicker.
Where do you believe your success comes from?
I'm a Pisces. This means I'm a dreamer and am very lucky, because I turn my dreams into reality. I get up everyday and never ever plan what I'm doing. I know what will be, will be. I can't change it. I just go with it. I get up and go "What are we doing today, guys?" and that's it. When you try to steer and manipulate something in life, all you do is set yourself up for disappointment. I've always been of this mindset.
This time last year, I sat on the Plage Royale Beach, and said, "You know what? I'm going to start an international sales agency, and it's going to be big. Next year, I'm going to be up there (on the Croisette) with a great office."
It's so hard to make a film. I was at the market last year with my cap in hand, showing my begging bowl to these guys and 97% of them have never made a movie in their life. I look at them as an industry of old boys, and the old boys will be terrified of me. All I have to say to them is that I'm coming for you. I'm here to create real change in the industry.
If you're going to do anything, fucking own it. Don't ever go, "I can't really be bothered" Because if you say you're going to do it, you have got to do it. When you have that, everything is possible. That's what I'm about. I said that I'm going to start an international sales agency and it will be highly successful. One year later, we're here in this beautiful office, and now a major Us bank has backed us for 70 million a year to fund our full slate. This is where we are now.
Learn more about Carnaby's Cannes Lineup
More about Carnaby:
Carnaby International Sales and Distribution is a UK film company specialising in worldwide sales, production, co-productions and UK distribution – with a catalogue of award-winning feature films and documentaries.
We have built up a fast growing and recognisable brand at all major motion picture and television festivals and markets worldwide, including Cannes, Afm, Efm, Berlinale, The Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Luff, Mipcom and Miptv.
Carnaby International Sales and Distribution focuses on international sales of film, television and film libraries. The company is based in the heart of Soho, London.
The fiery business maverick Andrew Loveday of Carnaby Films has a big message for the dinosaurs of the global film industry; be afraid. Be very afraid!
Andrew is here to create big change in the global film industry, and the time is right for his intentions. Banking partners have just committed 75 million a year to finance Carnaby's whole slate. He closed this deal here at the Cannes Film Festival with the help of his team members Tania Sarra (Director of International Sales), Alex Tate (Head of Acquisitions) and Sean O'Kelly (CEO).
This is incredibly exciting for global cinema because Carnaby only represents films of rich and high standards and has one of the best lineups at Cannes this year, including Damascus Cover, Tom Thumb and A Love of Money.
Andrew shares how he got his start, his philosophy and his honest and raw observations of the film sales world:
How did Carnaby start?
Carnaby was born fifteen years ago. I started it with my father Mike, and my cousin Terry. We worked for another film company, and then we decided to setup on our own. We started by raising the funds for a small budget movie of 200,000 dollars. We ended up raising 3.5 million instead; it blew our minds. It literally started from nothing. There was no plan, and now 13 years later, we've made 14 extremely rich films. The last one was Angel, and then there was The Wee Man, which got four BAFTA nominations and won two BAFTA awards for best film and audience award.
Then we realized after twelve years in the market, all our investors were asking, "Hey Andy, the film's out on the shelf. It's everywhere. Where's our money???" We thought, "Oh, actually... We don't know. We'll go speak to our sales company." Then we asked the sales company, and they blew us of with "Oh... You know, it's a tough time in the market...but talk to that guy. He'll know." Then we'd go talk to that guy, and another, and another and get more of the same; so, it took us twelve to thirteen years to realize that we need to be in charge of our films.
I setup the international sales side of Carnaby in November last year. We launched the company at Afm. I got all my titles back from all the sales agents at other companies and decided to launch Carnaby Sales and Distribution. Our first title that we took to the market was Panzer 88, written by Peter Bricks with producers Gary Kurtz and Ivor Powell (Star Wars, Alien and Blade Runner). We went to Afm, and everybody went "Wow! These guys have a 40 million dollar movie with Gary Kurtz and Ivor Powell. They're not sales agents!" Now, seven months later, here I am in Cannes with my sales and distribution arm.
My star of the company is Tania Sarra, who will be given the Future Industry Leader award on the 23rd. The international film community voted for her, and she deserves it because she's a brilliant and hardworking woman.
What does Carnaby have to offer producers?
My message for producers is that I'll help to make your film, and make sure that you get every single penny you deserve. We all know reputation is everything in a small industry where information goes around like wildfire. This is why, all of a sudden, stunning and unique projects are starting to flood in. We're working with established masters: Gary Kurtz, Ivor Powell, Anthony Wade and Roger Christian, plus a whole bunch of up and coming producers full of innovative ideas. There's no luck involved. These producers come to us because they know we're honest. We're very down to earth, and we don't get frustrated.
What is your philosophy on making films happen?
To sell really great films, you have to go out and get them. I really believe that you are what you eat, in anything you do. If you say, "Oh, I'm going to do small films, and that's all I'll ever do" then that's the market you'll be in. The market has changed so much over the last five to ten years with low budget movies. Everyone goes on the bandwagon of "I want to make another Blair Witch or Paranormal Activity." All it does is swamp the market so bad, that when you get to the consumer at the end of it, people say, "I'm not going to give my fifteen dollars for that film, because I know it's going to be a low budget and no good."
What do you see happening in the industry these days?
What I see in the industry is a very worrying time for a lot of the independent distributors. I think they're frantic and wondering what to do, because most of the new independent and smaller labels out there (especially in sales and distribution) can't afford to sustain their business on the 25-30 cent royalties of a DVD in a market where the DVD is going extinct. They've got overheads and staff; they don't have enough money to do a theatrical release.
People aren't fast to go to the cinema to see an art house or small indie movie unless it's got so much PR and movement internationally; people aren't really interested in it because they can watch it on TV for three pounds. You've got HBO on the Internet, Netflix. Smart TVs etc. The small distribution companies now want to produce their own movies so they can own it all, then they try to be producers. This is problematic because they're not film producers and never have been. They're accountants, clerks and marketing people running around like headless chickens, because they're trying to make movies. They're not always creative, and they think they are. They think, "Let's make a movie, because we know what we want and we know what sells." They saturate the market with poor films, and you are what you eat. If you keep putting shit into the market, after a while people won't go to the theatre. Consumers can only be cheated so many times, and these companies are actually a very big part of their own destruction. All they're doing is fueling a diminishing market in DVDs, which causes it to diminish even quicker.
Where do you believe your success comes from?
I'm a Pisces. This means I'm a dreamer and am very lucky, because I turn my dreams into reality. I get up everyday and never ever plan what I'm doing. I know what will be, will be. I can't change it. I just go with it. I get up and go "What are we doing today, guys?" and that's it. When you try to steer and manipulate something in life, all you do is set yourself up for disappointment. I've always been of this mindset.
This time last year, I sat on the Plage Royale Beach, and said, "You know what? I'm going to start an international sales agency, and it's going to be big. Next year, I'm going to be up there (on the Croisette) with a great office."
It's so hard to make a film. I was at the market last year with my cap in hand, showing my begging bowl to these guys and 97% of them have never made a movie in their life. I look at them as an industry of old boys, and the old boys will be terrified of me. All I have to say to them is that I'm coming for you. I'm here to create real change in the industry.
If you're going to do anything, fucking own it. Don't ever go, "I can't really be bothered" Because if you say you're going to do it, you have got to do it. When you have that, everything is possible. That's what I'm about. I said that I'm going to start an international sales agency and it will be highly successful. One year later, we're here in this beautiful office, and now a major Us bank has backed us for 70 million a year to fund our full slate. This is where we are now.
Learn more about Carnaby's Cannes Lineup
More about Carnaby:
Carnaby International Sales and Distribution is a UK film company specialising in worldwide sales, production, co-productions and UK distribution – with a catalogue of award-winning feature films and documentaries.
We have built up a fast growing and recognisable brand at all major motion picture and television festivals and markets worldwide, including Cannes, Afm, Efm, Berlinale, The Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Luff, Mipcom and Miptv.
Carnaby International Sales and Distribution focuses on international sales of film, television and film libraries. The company is based in the heart of Soho, London.
- 5/19/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
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