Apr 2, 2009 | Isle of Man Films
Now several months underway, Chico and Rita is an exquisite animated feature film scored by Bebo Valdes (popular Cuban musical arranger and composer). The epic love story about a Cuban jazz pianist and a club singer is told over decades and set across many romantic locations including Havana and New York. Magic Light Studios have employed nine local workers full time to learn the craft of digital animation and have set up a fully functional studio in Douglas. Chico and Rita is to be a blend of 2D and 3D animation; the Manx studio is working in conjuction with Estudio Mariscal in Spain and Budapest making the film a truly international project.
Mar 11, 2009 | News
Principal Photography has been completed for the tense thriller which stars Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Prince of Persia), Eddie Marsan (Vera Drake, Me and Orson Welles) and Martin Compston (The Damned United). Filming took place entirely on the Island with the majority of it at Island Studios near Ramsey. With Isle of Man workers totalling more than half of the crew, The Disappearance of Alice Creed has been a great opportunity for local crew to take on challenging roles and enhance their skills.
Feb 20, 2009 | Isle of Man Films
The children’s futuristic animated show has proven extremely popular on its TV broadcasts. Set in a world where heroes and villains battle through musical ‘sound clashes’, Freefonix was rated as the most viewed show on the CBBC channel between 1st January and 4th February 2009. The official soundtrack is available for download via iTunes or fans can buy the CD from the official Freefonixwebsite. The site is crammed with fun downloads and interactive games for kids – check out www.freefonix.com.
May 28, 2008 | Isle of Man Films
Our next production, Heartless due on the Island on the 30th June stars up and coming British actor Jim Sturgess (The Other Boleyn Girl), well established Brit actor Timothy Spall (Harry Potter series) French actress Clemence Posey (In Bruges), Noel Clarke (Doctor Who), and Joseph Mawle (Foyle’s War). Directed and written by Philip Ridley, it tells the story of Jamie Morgan (Sturgess) who makes a deal with a demon in order to start his life afresh.
Feb 25, 2008 | Local screenings
Whilst ‘A Bunch of Amateurs‘ leave the Island, the cast and crew for our next production, Me and Orson Welles have now arrived bringing Zac-mania with them! Me and Orson Welles has just started shooting in Douglas for three weeks and tells the story of a young actor’s (Zac Efron) chance encounter with Orson Welles (Christian McKay) and his subsequent acting role in Welles’ Julius Caesar at the famous Mercury Theatre. Claire Danes, Ben Chaplin and Kelly Reilly also star.
Jan 2, 2008 | Isle of Man Films
Freefonix, the exciting new 3D CGI animated children’s cartoon series produced on the Isle of Man by Balley Beg Studios is due to be screened on CBBC and BBC One from Friday 4th January.
Part financed by Isle of Man Film, Freefonix features some very special guest stars who voice characters, sing and play instruments in the show. R’n’B superstar Jamelia plays the singing part of Sugar Che, mentor and funky fairy godmother to Freefonix. Justin Hawkins from The Darkness sings and lends his unique guitar playing skills to Kurtz, lead singer of Mantyz. Throughout the series other guest stars appearing include pop star Chico, cricketer Alistair Cook, actor Joseph Fiennes and musician Hayley Ecker – plus a whole host of other names will be announced as the series progresses.
It was created by Magnus Fiennes, brother of Joseph and Ralph – a renowned music producer (who co-wrote and produced the first All-Saints album) and has worked with many international artists including Lenny Kravitz, Morcheeba, Spice Girls, Sugababes and Tom Jones.
Freefonix have discovered a sophisticated way of fighting their battles against rival band Mantyz, by using the power of the Thirteenth Note, an awesome force that can bend space and minds when the perfect sound is created. When the two rival bands meet, the result is an explosive Soundclash, where the opposing forces do battle as all the energies of the Thirteenth Note are released. The action continues each week as the Freefonix protect the guardians of the Thirteenth Note and begin to understand its magical properties.
Freefonix will run weekly for 40 half-hour episodes starting on 4th January on CBBC and BBC One at 1620. Freefonix is the largest commission by the BBC for an animation aimed at 7 to 11 year olds. The show is a combination of sophisticated storytelling, incredible music and amazing characters and graphics.
Dec 20, 2007 | Isle of Man Films
Many of our films made it onto the TV schedules this Christmas, for a complete list please click here.
Nov 27, 2007 | Isle of Man Films
Isle of Man Film production, Who Gets the Dog will get its premiere screening this weekend when it is broadcast on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday 2nd December. Shot in the Island last year and produced by Island-regulars Company Pictures, the 90 minute comedy drama starring Kevin Whately, (Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Lewis) Alison Steadman, (The Dinner Party, Gavin and Stacey) Stephen Mangan, (Green Wing, Confetti) and Emma Pierson (Hotel Babylon, Talk to Me) tells the story of married couple Jack and Jenny.
Nov 27, 2007 | Isle of Man Films
Chromophobia is premiering in the UK on the 14th December. Filmed on the Island in 2004, it closed the Cannes Film Festival in 2005 and has a quality British cast including Kristen Scott Thomas, Ralph Fiennes, Damien Lewis and Rhys Ifans. Penelope Cruz also stars in the film, directed by Martha Fiennes and described as a darkly comic urban drama.
Oct 15, 2007 | Filming Locations, Isle of Man Films
Have you ever thought about using your property as a film location? We are currently developing a searchable online locations database, set to be live before Christmas, and would like to encourage local property owners to register their property with us. Using your property as a film location can provide you with extra income and a chance to see film-making live in action. We are in particular need of farmhouses and farm buildings, contemporary interiors, historic Manor houses and Pubs and restaurants, although a location can be anything a script calls for. If you would like to register your property, you should read the guidance notes first before filling in the entry form and sending it back with some pictures (preferably digital).
