Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

Film industry names ‘Don’t Look Now’ as Best British Film

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Nicolas Roeg’s 1973 steamy gothic thriller tops Time Out’s 100 Best British Films

–A panel of film experts including Sam Mendes (Director of ‘American Beauty’), Wes Anderson (Director of ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’) and actress Sally Hawkins (‘Made in Dagenham’) have selected the 1970s steamy gothic thriller ‘Don’t Look Now’ as the Best British Film of all time, beating the likes of popular British movies such as Trainspotting and Four Weddings and a Funeral to the top spot.

The panel of 150 selected experts, which included directors, actors, heads of major cultural organisations and critics, was assembled by Time Out film editor Dave Calhoun. Each panellist nominated their 10 favourite British films which were then compiled to create a definitive list of Time Out’s 100 Best British Films.

Speaking about the selection as the Best British Film, ‘Don’t Look Now’’s director Nicolas Roeg commented ‘Well, it’s all very exciting indeed’. He continued ‘It’s almost forty years since I made the film now. It’s some time since I last saw it, but I see clips when I introduce it at festivals and it reminds me of that time and making it in Venice with Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie.’

Apart from the surprising ending of the film, one of the film’s most famous moments was the steamy love scene between Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland which Roeg believes helps today’s audiences connect with the film. Roeg told Time Out: ‘Sex, whether you like it or not, is the prime force of life. There is no other reason to be here. For me, sex is very rarely rude. It’s a fresh thing. I think people secretly connected to “Don’t Look Now”. Maybe that’s why, after all this time, people see the film more clearly. When it came out, audiences were less used to it. That scene would’ve been like someone bursting out of a cupboard and shouting “Boo!”.’

The top 10 from Time Out’s 100 Best British Films

Don’t Look Now (1973) – the terrifying Venice chiller starring Julie Christie
The Third Man (1949) – Graham Greene’s story stars Orson Welles in post-war Vienna
Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988) – moving Liverpool drama with the late Pete Postlethwaite
Kes (1969) – Ken Loach’s Northern Classic about a boy and his kestrel
The Red Shoes (1948) – a beautiful melodrama set in the world of ballet
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – the greatest film of World War Two with David Niven
Performance (1970) – Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenberg rock and roll in 1960s Notting Hill
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) – Alec Guinness in one of his finest comic roles
If… (1968) – a brilliant satire about a British boarding school with Malcolm McDowell
Trainspotting (1996) – the classic adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel with Ewan Macgregor

The full Time Out’s 100 Best British Films, featuring the top 100 along with panellists’ individual selections, can be found online by visiting: www.timeout.com/bestbritishfilms.

On the significance of Time Out’s 100 Best British Films, Time Out’s film editor Dave Calhoun comments: ‘This is a once-in-a-decade poll and it throws new light on the films which inspire our current actors, directors and writers. In the same week that the Bafta winners are announced, and as the British film funding landscape remains in flux, now seems as good a time as ever to think about British cinema in the context of over 100 years. Add to that the aggressive flag-waving over ‘The King’s Speech’, and you could say that such soul-searching isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential.”

To celebrate the outstanding achievements of the British Film industry Time Out Live will be launching the Time Out’s Film Club with a series of exclusive screenings of films from the 100 Best British Films at the Cineworld Haymarket in London. Starting from March 22, these special screenings will feature introductions from the likes of actors Jonathan Pryce (‘Pirates of the Caribbean’), David Morrissey (‘Doctor Who’) and Sally Hawkins (‘Happy-Go-Lucky’). For further information and tickets, visit www.timeout.com/filmclub.

Katy Perry and David Beckham Team Up For Adidas

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adidas is all in
adidas launches biggest marketing campaign in the brand’s history

Adidas has unveiled their latest global campaign, the biggest in the brands history, with the launch of ‘all adidas’.

This is the first time ever that adidas has created a campaign that leverages the three divisions that make up the brand – Sport Performance, adidas Originals and Sport Style, and combines them in one commercial that shows the unique breadth and depth of the brand.

The ‘all adidas’ campaign showcases adidas’ distinctive presence across and into different sports, cultures and lifestyles, fusing the worlds of sport, music and fashion. Captured in their authentic surroundings, brand ambassadors including football stars Lionel Messi and David Beckham, NBA star Derrick Rose, pop icon Katy Perry and the adidas skateboarding team, amongst others, show that when you love the game, whatever the game, you put your all into it.

The commercial is supported with a brand new soundtrack from Justice called Civilization (official release date 4th April 2011). Directed by Romain Gavras, famous for directing Justice and M.I.A, the campaign is built around a 30- and 60-second version of the commercial for TV and Cinema as well as an extended 2-minute version for Online. Viewers and fans can then continue the conversation online through social media platforms such as Facebook and twitter, where adidas serves up daily, in-depth exclusive content from the various parts of the brand – from new product releases to competitions for Katy Perry tickets and much more. adidas already engages in excess of 10 million fans of the brand on a regular basis across these platforms. In addition, the creative will come to life in a complete through-the-line offering, including mobile, retail, activation events and print.

“In the past ten years we have successfully extended the adidas brand into three powerful sub-brands with adidas Sport Performance, adidas Originals and adidas Sport Style. Now we are proud to be able to show the breadth and depth of the adidas brand in one global brand campaign,” explains Erich Stamminger, member of the Executive Board responsible for Global Brands.

“‘all adidas’ is the biggest campaign we have ever executed. Its creative concept brings together the diversity of the brand under one strong roof. From the court to the catwalk, the stadium to the street, we are giving an authentic statement with credibility that only adidas has.”

Montreal-based agency Sid Lee created and produced the global campaign. Sid Lee was hired as the global advertising agency for lifestyle label adidas Originals at the start of 2008 and developed the global campaigns for Originals in 2009 and 2010 including ‘House Party’. In 2010, Sid Lee was announced as the global lead-agency for the entire adidas brand.

The “all adidas” campaign takes place throughout 2011 in a mix of environments from sport to music, lifestyle to fashion with different elements rolling out over the year. Five second teaser spots have been aired in the weeks leading up to the global launch of the hero advert film on March 16th, 2011.

www.adidas.com/areyouin

So, why DON'T Men Go To The Doctor?

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Insureblue supports the Blue Ribbon Foundation

1 in 5 men have not seen a doctor in the last 3 years – 2% have never seen one
Two thirds of men have family history of cancer, stroke, heart disease – but more than half have not had basic healthcare checks in last year
Only 65% of men would definitely consult a doctor if experiencing chest pain

A new survey about men’s attitude to healthcare reveals that men are reluctant to consult with healthcare professionals – despite two thirds of those surveyed having significant medical family histories more than one in five men (21%) have not visited a GP, or healthcare professional in the last 12 months – and 2% admit they have never seen one.

The survey was undertaken by insureblue.co.uk which today launches its fundraising support for the new Blue Ribbon Foundation. Insureblue will donate £10 for every bike, home and car insurance policy sold on its web site to the Blue Ribbon Foundation which has been created to raise awareness about male cancers and male health issues. £1 for every travel insurance policy sold will also be donated.

insurepink.co.uk, the sister site to insureblue, raises over £1,000 a week for the Pink Ribbon Foundation charity which supports breast cancer charities funding research, specialist equipment and nurses.

The survey asked 1,000 men aged over 18 (73% were aged over 45) about their views on health and their attitude to seeing healthcare professionals and undergoing basic health checks – measuring weight, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Overall only 14% admitted to being happy to see a doctor if needed whilst a third revealed that they will only go to the doctors if their partners encourage them, or they really have to. Survey results below – disease incident rates etc in notes to editor.

Andy Kirton, business development director, insureblue: “We are proud to be able to support the work of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and believe it will be a tremendous success based on the public support that has been shown for insurepink. Insurance products are pretty generic and it is fantastic that just by the simple act of buying competitively priced insurance through us, ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. With insurepink and the Pink Ribbon Foundation we have helped over 68 breast cancer charities in the last year. We hope that the public will continue to show their support for men, male cancers and men’s health issues by supporting insureblue and in turn, the work of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.”

Jonathan Prince, chair of trustees, Blue Ribbon Foundation: “I am delighted that in these difficult financial times that insureblue will enable many individuals to donate whilst getting a fair insurance deal. Us men need to do more to look after ourselves. I speak to many women and who are more concerned about their partners. These donations will enable us to change men’s attitudes to their overall health.

Mr Krishna Sethia, Medical Director and Consultant Urologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital: “I welcome any positive move that will make men more aware of health issues relating to themselves. Men are often too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms but they need to, as early diagnosis can make a significant difference to their chances of successful treatment.

“I support the efforts of the Blue Ribbon Foundation in getting men to talk more openly about their health and I wish the foundation every success.”

Survey results
42% of men believed their health to be good or very good.
21% believed they were the right weight for their height
9% had never weighed themselves.
41% acknowledged that they had weight issues – 21% admitted to being at least a stone overweight, whilst 22% admitted to being overweight or obese.

Nearly half (44%) had not had their blood pressure checked in the last year. Of those who had had it checked over a third (35%) had discovered some issue with 26% needing additional monitoring and 9% further investigations.

More than half had not had their cholesterol checked in the last year (58%).
30% had never had their cholesterol checked.
41% had never been tested for diabetes, yet only 36% would definitely see a doctor if they suffered from increased urination – one of the symptoms of diabetes.

66% of men had parents or grandparents who had suffered from cancer, stroke or heart disease, yet when asked about whether they would consult a doctor if they experienced some of the common symptoms of these diseases, the results were shocking:

6% would never consult a doctor if they experienced chest pain, 26% profuse sweating, 9% blood in urine/semen, 14% blurred vision and 9% breathlessness.

Only 65% would definitely consult a doctor for chest pain, 25% profuse sweating, 82% blood in urine/semen, 48% blurred vision, 55% breathlessness.

Top conditions for definitely visiting a doctor
1. Blood in urine/semen – 82%
2. Chest pain – 65%
3. Breathlessness – 55%
4. Blurred vision – 48%
5. Increased urination – 36%

And what percentage never would visit a doctor:

1. Weight gain – 59%
2. Low libido – 40%
3. Profuse sweating – 24%
4. Blurred vision – 12%
5. Breathlessness – 9%

For a motor, bike, travel or home insurance quote to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation visit insureblue.co.uk

Kierston Wareing and Ashley Walters to head Top Boy cast

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Kierston Wareing (It’s A Free World) and Ashley Walters (Hustle, Small Island) join forces with major UK contemporary music stars Kane Robinson aka Kano and Scorcher in an ensemble cast of new four-part thriller Top Boy.

Written by screenwriter and novelist Ronan Bennett (Public Enemies, The Hamburg Cell) and produced by Cowboy Films (The Last King of Scotland, Poppy Shakespeare) for Channel 4, Top Boy is a 4 X 60’ original drama about young lives lived on the edge. The drama looks beyond the headlines about youth crime and delves into the personal stories of those involved.

Filming has begun in and around London this month with director by Yann Demange (Criminal Justice, Dead Set) at the helm. The drama will showcase a fresh and dynamic line up of first time actors, brought together through extensive talent searches across London; combining open auditions and youth workshops, with on-the-spot, street approaches everywhere from bus shelters to Burger Kings.

Meet drug dealer and gang leader Dushane (Ashley Walters). He is charming, sexy, clever, and at 26 years old has “already run out of things to be – except this”. When he gets the attention of ex-convict and drug dealer Bobby Raikes (Geoff Bell) he seizes an opportunity to be more, to have more. With his friend Sully (Kane Robinson) at his side, Dushane is on track to becoming Top Boy.

Dushane and Sully’s violent quest to take over the supply of drugs in the Summerhouse Estate impacts on the lives of a number of the residents. The emotional heart of the story lies with Ra’Nell (Malcolm Kamulete), a bright 13-year-old struggling to create a stable home environment for his mentally ill mother Lisa (Sharon Duncan Brewster). Ra’Nell’s best friend Gem (Giacomo Mancini) will do anything to be accepted into Dushane’s gang whilst Summerhouse resident Heather (Kierston Wareing), pregnant and penniless, is determined to give her baby the chances she never had – “even if it means doing one wrong thing to get to the right place”.

Top Boy is based on months of first hand research by writer and Hackney resident Ronan Bennett and story consultant Gerry Jackson. Jackson, a fitness coach, was born and raised in Hackney and has, over the years, worked with the kids there to motivate and encourage them to keep clear of the drug and gang culture. He was able to set up meetings and interviews with local kids who gave candid accounts of life on the estates. This extensive research forms the basis of Bennett’s scripts.

Writer Ronan Bennett says: “I knew that I wanted to write about this world from the bottom up, from the point of view, not of the police, but of the tinies and youngers I saw every day hanging around the supermarket forecourt. So I asked Gerry if he would introduce me to kids on the street. Although I was interested in hearing about the mechanics of drug dealing, I wanted to know about the lives these kids lived. What were their homes like? Did they go to school? What did they think about their parents and teachers? What music did they like? Clothes? What did they want from life? Some of their stories were brutal and frightening. Others were sad and some were unintentionally funny – “I didn’t get focused on making money until I was 13,” one younger said wistfully, “all them wasted years.” I came to realise that the lives I was glimpsing on the supermarket forecourt were a lot more complex, deep and rich than I’d imagined. I wanted Top Boy to look at the fabric of life in a world we hear a lot about, but about which we know a lot less than we think.”

Head of drama Camilla Campbell says: “Ronan’s script is not only honest and contemporary, due to the vast research with the kids and their extraordinary stories – it is also gripping, funny and entertaining. It will be a striking piece of drama that is perfect for Channel 4.”

Top Boy will be made by Cowboy Films and Easter Partisan for Channel 4. The four- part drama serial, due for transmission in autumn 2011, will be produced by Charles Steel, Alasdair Flind and Ronan Bennett.

Top Boy will be available on DVD after transmission courtesy of Warner Home Video.

Celebrities prepare to take part Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk to support people with breast cancer

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High profile celebrities are lacing up their walking boots and preparing to take part in Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk sponsored by Santander in association with woman&home, at four different UK locations, in May and June 2011.

Each Pink Ribbonwalk event starts and finishes at beautiful and exclusive country manors. The 10 or 20 mile walking routes will take you through some of the most magnificent British countryside including access to private grounds usually closed to the public.

Kaye Adams, is gearing up for the 10 mile walk-a-thon at Scone Palace, Perthshire. Denise Van Outen will be hiking 20 miles at Petworth house, West Sussex. Jessica Fox (who plays Nancy Hayton in Hollyoaks) will lead the charge at the Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire event, and Penny Lancaster-Stewart and Denise Lewis will walk at the Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Pink Ribbonwalk.

With one person in the UK diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, sadly most of us will know someone affected by this cruel disease. Why not take part in a Pink Ribbonwalk and show your support for a loved one whilst enjoying a fun filled afternoon walking with friends and family, visit www.pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.

It costs just £30 to register and walkers are required to raise a minimum of £175 worth of sponsorship to help fund Breast Cancer Care’s vital support services. Put into context that could be a £10 donation from just 18 relatives, colleagues or friends.

Choose from 10 and 20 mile route options at the following locations:
Saturday 14 May 2011 – Scone Palace, Perthshire Pink Ribbonwalk
Saturday 21 May 2011 – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Pink Ribbonwalk
Saturday 4 June 2011 – Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, Pink Ribbonwalk
Saturday 11 June 2011 – Petworth House, West Sussex Pink Ribbonwalk

Enjoy a village fete style celebration when you cross the finish line, including a medal, BBQ, message and entertainment!

Breast Cancer Care’s Ambassador Denise Lewis said:

“I loved walking the 10 mile route at Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk last year. I took part in memory of my grandmother and it was a really special and uplifting day. Gather your friends, family and colleagues to sign up and make the 2011 events the biggest yet! Breast Cancer Care’s essential information and support services ensure that no one faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone.”

Register now at www.pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.

All funds raised from the Pink Ribbonwalk sponsored by Santander in association with woman&home enable Breast Cancer Care to fund essential information and support services such as its helpline, discussion forums, local events, one-to-one support sessions and website, so that no one need face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.

i's 100 Issue Anniversary {Social Diary}

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i’s 100 Issue Anniversary – Tues 15th March

Last night i held a glittering party at Century to celebrate its 100th issue. The newspaper sells over 170,000 copies a day and has been going for 6 months. At the party we chatted to national treasure Ian Hislop, talked to the gorgeous Ronni Ancona who told us to watch her and Olly Murs do a trek for Comic Relief on Thursday.

Nancy Dell’Ollio looked stunning, Emily Maitlis and Dom Joly chatted in the corner for most of the night, Amanda Donohoe was very friendly and Janet Street Porter was tall and charismatic. Dom Joly was telling everyone about breaking his leg on Celebrity Wipe Out.. When he arrived he was struggling up three flights of stairs before Nancy Dell’Ollio pointed out the lift and helped him into it.

We congratulated Editor Simon Kelner who gave a good speech. A ‘slightly tipsy’ journalist embarrassed Ronni Ancona with a story involving an illegal substance, a hotel room and Steve Coogan. Thankfully she was saved by Ian Hislop and made a swift exit. We also managed not to give the Evening Standard’s diary journalist too much gossip, even though he was a ridiculous amount of fun and had a good conversation with Bang Media’s Ricky Sky. All in all, an amazing night.

Star Studded Event Honouring our Heroes

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The Inaugural Soldiering On Awards and Unique Charity Auction in Honour of BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association) on Sunday 20 March 2011

In the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and showbiz stars such as Hayley Mills, Tom Keane, Rick Wakeman and many other stars attending the first ever “Soldiering On Awards” organised by Members of the Armed Forces, BLESMA and friends from the world of Media and Entertainment.The awards will recognise the courage and determination of those servicemen and women severely injured in the line of duty and aim to reward those behind the scenes, who help them on their long and challenging road to recovery.

Hosted by Gloria Hunniford and Paul Martin at the prestigious The Savoy, London, the star-studded event will bring together celebrities, industry professionals, BLESMA supporters and members to show their support for our troops, and the life changing work BLESMA do to better the future for many amputees in the UK.

The awards categories will include: Fundraising Endeavour, Supportive Family, Volunteer of the Year, Sporting Endeavour of the Year, The Bowman Award, Making a Difference, Against All Odds, BLESMA Lifetime Commitment.

In each category, the awards recognise the bravery and professionalism of the men and women working in today’s Armed Forces around the world and honour incredible individuals such as Royal Marine Commado Mark Ormrod, who has fought back despite losing both his legs and right arm. They also celebrate members of the public who in various ways work diligently to support our servicemen and women.

The evening will commence with a champagne reception, presentations by BLESMA and music by the Swinging Blue Jeans band. Guests will also enjoy music from the Brass Quintet of the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards Band and a special performance from virtuoso rock violinist, Analiza Ching. There will be an auction including 12 magnificent “Money Can’t Buy” prizes, with the aim of raising much needed funds for BLESMA. The money will continue to help BLESMA provide support to rebuild the lives, confidence and self-belief of our injured servicemen and women, by giving them the opportunity to participate in support networks and rehabilitation programmes.

Jerome Church, BLESMA General Secretary added, “I cannot tell you how moved we have been by the offers of help from all of the armed forces and volunteers from the Soldiering On Awards committee. These awards celebrate our servicemen and women and members of the community who work together to help rebuild their lives. We hope the incredible and unique auction prizes will raise money to improve the lives of people who deserve all the help and support we can offer them”.

Food and Wine To Make Mother's Day Special

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All mums deserve a treat, like relaxing with a glass of wine from this fabulous range whilst you prepare her one of the expertly chosen complimentary dishes.

Fish Hoek Shiraz

This juicy red wine is a delicious addition to a number of meals. It’s a good, strong, superb wine. It’s not too tangy. Full of flavour and with not much after taste. You can taste berries. Try it with a hearty cottage pie, lasagne, or roast beef. Even better how about a delicious classic bistro Mother’s Day feast of steak, green beans and potato dauphinoise.

Banrock Station Sparkling Rose

This sparkling rose works perfectly as a standalone aperitif before a meal, or as an interesting desert choice. Best served with a light, red fruit desert such as pavlova or fruit tart. It is a good, light and refreshing wine. Perfectly fruity and with just the right amount of sweetness. One of the best Rose’s I have ever tasted.

Mother’s day is on April the 3rd. So treat her with these superb wines and some good food.

Complimentary dishes suggested by Constellation’s in-house wine expert, Sam Caporn.