Monthly Archives: May 2011

BLAKE'S NOT LIVELY – SHE'S AN OLD FOGEY; FIRST LOOK AT 'APES' PICS; PLUS DANIEL RADCLIFFE DOES HATE

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First Look! – Pictures from Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Total Film takes a look at the first pictures from Rise of the Planet of the Apes which opens later this summer. Andy Serkis plays chief chimp Caesar, created through motion-capture and CGI.

Director Rupert Wyatt explains, “We had a choice of using either live apes or CGI. Personally, I had moral problems with the idea of using chimps. And from a practical point of view it would be virtually impossible to get them to do what we need them to do within our schedule.”

Blake’s not Lively – she’s an old fogey?

When Total Film sat down for a chat with Blake about her latest film The Green Lantern, the Gossip Girl admitted “I very much think of myself as an old fogey.”

Responding to jibes from Green Lantern director Martin Campbell that she was “going on 60”, Blake confessed, “I don’t party, I don’t go out and I’m sure one day I’ll really regret not tapping in and really living it up and exploring all the frivolities of youth.”

Speaking about her transformation from blonde to brunette for her portrayal of the comic book’s character Carol Ferris, she added, “I do want to make the fans happy. In the end we did a test and I tried 14 different shades of brown because we wanted to have the exact right colour. It was elaborate.”

Daniel Radcliffe speaks exclusively to Total Film: “I just hated my performance”

Speaking exclusively to Total Film in the issue out now about the final installment, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Radcliffe revealed that he hated his performance in the 2009 film, The Half-Blood Prince.

“The Half-Blood Prince wasn’t my favourite installment overall. I just hated my performance. The film was good, but it’s a huge amount of exposition.”

“READ THE FULL STORY IN TOTAL FILM – OUT NOW”

SILENCE WILL FALL…New Doctor Who Villian Arrives

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SILENCE WILL FALL…

THE SILENCE

ARRIVING AT THE

DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE

ON FRIDAY 13th MAY

{above picture} One of Doctor Who’s most terrifying enemies, The Silence, stands behind an unsuspecting Welsh Guard in Pall Mall, ahead of their arrival at the highly-acclaimed Doctor Who Experience at London’s Olympia 2 venue. The fully interactive themed experience and exhibition invites visitors to step through a crack in time to become the Doctor’s companion on an adventure. Their challenge will be to reunite the Doctor with the TARDIS whilst fending off threats from a Dalek spaceship and Weeping Angels along the way, before exploring the wonders of Doctor Who at an out of this world exhibition.

This Friday 13th May Doctor Who Experience will prove monsters are real by giving you the opportunity to come face-to-face with one of Doctor Who’s most terrifying of monsters to date as The Silence arrive at the Doctor Who Experience.

The Silence will be on show in the walk-through part of the Doctor Who Experience following their appearance in the opening two episodes of the award-wining series, The Impossible Astronaut and Day of the Moon.

Fans will be able to encounter these terrifying monsters for the first time, who, with their powers of telepathy and eerie ability to erase themselves from your memory have been cited as one of the Doctor’s more frightening foes.

Glimpse one of these creatures at Doctor Who Experience and you may feel slightly unsettled the moment it’s out of view but the real question is… will you remember?

Come fly the TARDIS and dare to meet The Silence, by taking a starring role in your very own Doctor Who adventure at the Doctor Who Experience. Step through the crack in time and become the Doctor’s companion in this exhilarating walk through experience that recreates all the best parts of the hit TV series. Come face to face with some of the scariest monsters seen on the screen including Daleks, Cybermen and the latest addition from series 6: The Silence.

There’s fun for family and fans alike with the largest collection of authentic Doctor Who props and artefacts including all the previous Doctor’s iconic costumes, the original David Tennant TARDIS set and even interactive lessons in how to walk like a Cyberman!

Tickets on sale at www.doctorwhoexperience.com

Door Price / Advance peak / Advance off-peak

· Adult: £20.00 / £18.00 / £15.50

· Child (5 to 16): £15.50 /£14.00 /£12.50

· Under 5’s are free

· Family of 4: £62.00 / £52.00 /£46.00

Schools/Groups/Tour Operators: separate pricing.

Osama Bin Laden son in 'Moral High ground' Shocker

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The son of Osama Bin Laden has released a statement say the killing of his Al Qaeda father was ‘criminal’ and that he reserves the right to sue the U.S government. The statement made by Omar Bin Laden did not however mention whether he also felt the victims of 9/11 should be able to sue his father’s estate for the murder of their relatives.

Omar is Bin Laden’s fourth eldest son and also mentioned that the Al Qaeda chiefs other children also are ‘reserving the right to take legal action in the U.S and internationally.’ The statement that was published on the Islamist website Abu Walid al-Masri also stated that his father’s burial was ‘humiliating’ as his father had ‘such importance and status among his people’ ,but, yet again, did not mention that fact that over 3000 bodies of the 9/11 victims will never even be found.

Specialists on militant propaganda had said that the statement appears to be genuine.

Omar Bin Laden, 30, married a British women 25 years older than him and she appeared in a number of celebrity magazines with her young husband beside her. They tried to relocate to the UK but his visa was refused. Omar and his wife Zaina Bin Laden (Previously known as Jane Felix-Browne) are now based in the Gulf. It was announced in April that they are having a surrogate child through IVF, which is being carried by a British Pole Dancer. Their twins were miscarried last year through another surrogate, after which the couple broke up amide claims that Omar was suffering from mental illness. They are now back together even though Omar told the Daily Mail that there was “no chance” of a reconciliation.

The alleged letter from Omar went on to say: ”We hold the American President (Barack) Obama legally responsible to clarify the fate of our father, Osama Bin Laden, for it is unacceptable, humanely and religiously, to dispose of a person with such importance and status among his people, by throwing his body into the sea in that way, which demeans and humiliates his family and his supporters and which challenges religious provisions and feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims.’

New Masterclasses Teach Actors To Be Their Best

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As an actor, continual training is important. So I have interviewed Paul Burton, Ronnie Le Drew and Leoni Kibbey who will both be doing masterclasses for pro active actors at the famous Elstree Studios.

Paul Burton

1) Tell me about the Masterclasses

There are currently four masterclasses scheduled and each one is being held at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG

Actress, filmmaker and film & TV casting director, Leoni Kibbey, is taking an initial three masterclasses. They are:

Leoni Kibbey – Masterclass For Actresses:

Date: Monday 23rd May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: An enjoyable and intensive one-day masterclass for actresses aged 18+ only! This will be a chance for you to gain valuable industry advice, practise your audition technique and hone your screen acting skills. You should come away with a better understanding of the industry and how to market yourself and increase your chances of being cast. It will be a fun and practical day and there will be opportunities to practise your acting skills and receive constructive feedback in a positive environment.

Leoni Kibbey – Screen Acting Masterclass:

Date: Tuesday 24th May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ with lots of opportunities to practise your screening acting skills using a full-range of film, TV and commercial scripts. This will be a very practical masterclass where you will learn by ‘doing’ as well as watching your fellow classmates. Techniques, terminology and other useful advise to help further your career as a screen actor or actress will all be included as part of the day.

Leoni Kibbey – Audition Masterclass:

Date: Thursday 9th June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ where you will learn about the different types of audition. You will also find out the best way to apply for a job and gain an understanding of how agents and casting directors deal with applications. The day will also educate you on what to expect at an audition and how to improve your skills and confidence.

Each of Leoni’s masterclasses costs just £55 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

Meanwhile, former Rainbow puppeteer, Ronnie Le Drew, will be running a special one-day masterclass on Friday 3rd June 2011. This will be a chance for any aged 18+ to learn more about the art of puppetry.

Ronnie Le Drew – Puppetry Masterclass:

Date: Friday 3rd June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: Set to be taken by puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew (best-known for having operated Zippy in the Thames TV children’s show, Rainbow), this special one-day masterclass will include an opportunity to operate glove puppets, rod puppets and marionette puppets and to explore the potential that each has to offer. The day will also include the showing of video clips from Ronnie’s theatre, film & TV career which spans forty years. There will also be time for a Q&A session. Set to take place at Elstree Studios where Ronnie worked on the Jim Henson film Labyrinth in 1986, this masterclass will be a unique opportunity for anyone aged 18+ to explore and find out more about the exciting world of puppets.

A place on Ronnie’s masterclass costs just £50 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

2) What’s your background?

Gosh, that could take hours to explain! I have twenty-two years of experience running a variety of my own theatre, film, TV and radio projects. I’m basically a self-employed writer, filmmaker and film & TV historian. You can found out more about me at: www.paulburton.org.uk

3) How important is it for actors to keep training?

I think it is very important. I personally believe each of the masterclasses which are holding will benefit actors and actresses (yes, despite being only 37, I am old fashioned and still use both titles!) a great deal. I think learning new skills is also essential in this industry. As a director I am always more impressed when I get an application for an actor or an actress who has shown to continue to take extra training and learn new skills post drama school. It shows that they are hardworking and serious about their careers in what is obviously a very competitive world.

4) Is it exciting to be at Elstree studios?

Yes, so many of my favouirte films have been made at the complex since 1924, so to be walking down the same corridors and using the same rooms and areas used by my favorite actors, actresses, producers and directors is a great thrill. I never tire of walking through the gates and entering the studios. And the management have been so supportive to me over the last few years.

The Masterclass Project – Website: www.themasterclassproject.org

To request further details and a booking form, please email Paul Burton: paulburton73@hotmail.co.uk

Leoni Kibbey

1) Tell me about the masterclass

I was really pleased to be asked by Paul Burton to teach on his masterclass sessions. He runs a variety of masterclasses for actors and actresses which are taken by experienced professionals from the world of theatre, film & television at Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire.

2) What will you be teaching at the masterclasses?

I am teaching 3 different day long courses – each day will be fun and practical, there will be lots of chances to perform and get involved. I am certainly more ‘get up and do’ than ‘sit down and listen’. One of the classes is a casting master-class just for women and then there are two for anyone age 18+ – a screen acting day and an audition technique day. I think having an understanding of the industry is as important as talent and these masterclasses will help develop both as well as give you an opportunity to practise your skills and receive honest constructive feedback.

I often run casting workshops which last just a couple of hours. I am looking forward to giving a more intense day long workshop as it gives the actors a chance to learn more and to totally immerse their day in the world of casting as well as for me to learn more about them as actors and actresses.

I think they are very good value and having lunch included is an added bonus. For full details on the courses go to the masterclass website: http://www.themasterclassproject.org/leonikibbey.htm

3) As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

It keeps your skills honed. It keeps you fresh as an actor. It allows you to make contacts and meet new people. I think a workshop session is a great way to learn because by watching others you also get a good measure of your own ability and what you may need to work on as well as learning from others.

4) How do you think the masterclasses will help people in their career.

It will give them a better awareness of the industry and how to approach work and auditions. It will give them pointers on how to improve their acting and I think any opportunity to meet a casting director is another step closer towards getting a job. In this relaxed, fun environment it will hopefully allow people to show the best of their talent throughout the day.

5) What is your background?

I trained as an actress at Mountview Theatre School, graduating in 1998. Since then I have worked as an actress, casting director and now producer. I am a busy multi-tasker and I understand all aspects of the industry and I enjoy passing that on in a workshop setting. I now regularly cast commercials and tv projects and feature films – including the multi-million pound feature film Shakespeare’s Daughter which I am about to begin casting.

Ronnie Le Drew

1.Tell me about the master-class

I was asked by Paul Burton to run a days master Class on Puppet
manipulation. we talked about how many students?,Time for Q and A and
an opportunity for showing clips from my professional work over many
years, all this and lunch too ! of course the answer was “yes”.

2. What will you be teaching at the master-classes?

The day will begin with a short introduction, and then straight
into the manipulation of Glove puppets, Rod puppets and Marionettes
(String puppets) each of the different kind of puppet requires a
individual skill. which I intend to pass on to the students. Learning
all this will take more than a days course, but I hope to leave
knowing that each student will have a knowledge of the basic
performance possibilities of each puppet.

3, As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

I am a puppeteer first with some acting skills, the benefits of
continual training are the same for both actor and puppeteer. Learning
new skills only enhances your knowledge and opens one’s eye’s to new
opportunities, which can only be a good thing for both an actor and
puppeteer one never stops learning, to do so will inhibit one’s
professional career.

4. How do you think the master-classes will help people in their career?

I hope to add to the actor/performer new skills which in today’s
theatre, film and television, is essential. Actor/performers are
regularly asked what else can you do other than act !

5.What is your background?

I started as an apprentice puppeteer at the Little Angel Theatre
way back in the 60’s and went on to work in Television Film For more
information do see my web page :-
www.ronnieledrew.com

6. What is your specialty?

My Specialty is performing, directing, and teaching Puppetry in
all it’s forms. It has been my profession for all my working career
and continues to give me tremendous pleasure.

“When Ronnie Met Zippy” the
utterly splendid biography of Ronnie Le Drew to be published march
2012.

PSN Update 4: Network Not Up Until May 31st and new Xbox 360 Counter Update

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Update 5 (PSN is now back in parts of the US but not the UK yet)

The PSN Network won’t be up until the end of the month now. Sony is planning to have the system back online by May 31st. It had hoped to have at least partial service restored by the end of this week.  Gamers will now be wondering if they will ever get back online. The network has been down for almost three weeks now and many have been forced to find other activities. The attack is now thought to be one of the biggest in history.

Businesses reliant on the Sony network have lost millions of dollars. Capcom’s senior Vice president Christian Svensson said he was ‘frustrated and upset’. Many developers have felt paralysed by the outage.

It has now been 4 days without an update from Sony. Can they hold onto their fan base with the lack of information? There is only so long fans will wait.

In a further blow to Sony, leaked information from www.product-reviews.net has confirmed that rival Microsoft is planning to update its Xbox 360 dashboard later this month. The update will come out between Thursday 19th and May 30th. It will bring in a brand new disc format, known as XGD3, with anti-piracy measures designed to increase security.

Apparently the new update will support Paypal on the Xbox marketplace to further protect users against potential online fraud.

Original Article

Update 1

Update 2

Update 3

Update 5

UK Apprentice Returns Tonight

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The UK Apprentice and Lord Sugar return tonight as 16 new hopefuls vie to be his next apprentice. However this year there’s a twist. Rather than offering the candidates a job with a £100,000 salary, this year the winning candidate will receive £250,000 to invest in their own business.

The first task is to buy and sell fruit and vegetables.

 

Divine White Gives a Closer Look at Acting in Hollywood

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Two brilliant British actors – Alison Winter and James Boyle, both of which I have had the privilege of working with- have made a funny and brutal insight into being an actor in Hollywood. I have watched pretty much all the episodes of Divine White, and they are as funny as they are addictive. Anyone who has ever done any acting will watch and cringe. Funnily accurate.

Divine White’s Introduction to Hollywood is a brand new British comedy web series set inside the acting studios of the renowned ‘mystic mentor’ Divine White. We follow 5 British actors on this unique 6 step programme to success. Watch the trailer below and then go to Divine’s website and see more.

Bird of the week: The Kingfisher

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The Eurasian kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is one of Britain’s most colourful and popular birds.

Kingfishers hunt fish, tadpoles and aquatic insects and are therefore found by rivers and lakes.

Despite their colourful appearance – bright blue and orange – they are not actually easy to spot. They’re quite small – not much larger than a sparrow – with a short tail and very long bill.  The sexes look pretty much alike but you can tell them apart by having a close look at their bills: the female’s lower beak is orange (as if she had put on some lipstick!) and the male’s is all black.

Kingfishers are very territorial and you will only ever see more than one at a time during the breeding season – if you’re lucky that is.

The kingfisher is a so-called ‘schedule 1’-bird, protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Thich means that unless you’ve got a licence, you mustn’t go near a nesting site or disturb the birds in any way.

So if you are lucky enough to see a kingfisher, most likely perched on a branch or log near the water, bobbing its head up and down before diving and within seconds emerging again with a fish, keep your distance and enjoy this magical experience. Or you might just notice an electric blue flash across the water, come and gone before you realise what you’ve just seen.

Let me share some of my favourite kingfisher photos with you – they are truly stunning birds and I hope you’ll get to see one yourself!

Male Kingfisher

Male Kingfisher

Female Kingfisher
Female Kingfisher
Male Kingfisher with fish

Male Kingfisher with fish

Male Kingfisher preening

Male Kingfisher preening

Female Kingfisher

Female Kingfisher

Sandra Palme
www.finepetportraits.co.uk