Launching 4TALENT

Channel 4's Chief Exec, Andy Duncan (pictured), announced the launch of their 4talent website. It's a resource and opportunity website to provide much needed support and development of new talent in the UK. Much like we do at UKTN.

Members of the UK Theatre Network will recognise the lovely Claire Sweeney in the picture. You can see more of her on the UKTHEATRE.TV website. We filmed her last year for the launch of the Guys and Dolls tour, so it was nice to see her again looking fabulous.

It was a great night with great champagne, good company and celebrating 25 years of talent on Channel 4.

Douglas

Firing on all cylinders

Do you find that when you are in a creative frame of mind, that ideas connect and present themselves in front of your very eyes ?

This morning I received some emails about film financing and low budget filmmaking which Raindance are holding in the coming weeks. By 9:30, I had booked two courses, paid for them by paypal and submitted MAKING IT IN HOLLYWOOD into Raindance Film Festival !

Tomorrow is the deadline so I had to make a quick decision but it was made easier because I had done all the preparatory work on WITHOUTABOX.com for the Cannes Film Festival. All the press release information, production notes, stills from the film, credits, synopsis and other relevant information were completed last month, so it was one click to submit, and another to pay $42.

Easy when you know how, but if you'd said in February that this year I'd be submitting a film to Cannes and Raindance, I would've looked at you very confused and had no idea where to start looking. The power of the Internet delivers yet again.

I'm off to the launch of 4Talent tonight at Channel 4's offices in Horseferry Road tonight. I'll blog a picture or two tonight if I can.


Douglas

Mister Myspace

James Fabricant, Head Of Content and Marketing at Myspace.com. A very busy chap as you can imagine. See blog below.

Confusion at Channel 4

Ok, I admit. It's a headline to grab your attention and not a dig at the wonderful people at Channel 4. There is a reason I said it though, so read on.

I was delighted to be invited to the Channel 4 events this week and I decided the best one for me, was the 'making it multi media'. Apart from the fact that it fitted nicely with the 'Making It In Hollywood' theme which readers of this blog will be well aware of, the event was hosted by some of the top people in the new media business who I had been contacting for over 18 months via email. Tonight was a great chance to hear what they think and put a face to a name.

Adam Gee on the left. Channel 4 commissioning editor for factual entertainment. Emily Renshaw Smith, formerly of fourdocs but now with CURRENT.TV otherwise known as 'Al Gore's web tv station'.

Next to Emily is James Kirkham who heads up Holler, the creative company behind E4's SKINS marketing and promotion.

Out of picture, but will be on the blog above this, is James Fabricant, Head of Content at Myspace.

An exclusive and influential group of people in the world of new media I am sure you will agree.

The night was a very pleasant introduction to what each of them do and where they are successful. However it soon became clear that while they had cracked it for a few select projects, which used their collective online platforms wisely, there remained significant doubt (read opportunity) over how the commercial prospects of content producers were going to be sustained in this new world order. Enter 'Making It In Hollywood'. I dont have the answers either but I was somewhat reassured by their confusion by conveniently being half way through a journey with the traditional film festival route. While at the same time evolving an online experience through UKTHEATRE and UKFILM networks. Being in the eye of the storm is a nice place to be but that doesn't mean it will be easy. Understanding it and sharing it with you, is enough satisfaction for me, and perhaps at the same time I will stumble across, erm I mean, successfully create, some of the answers to REALLY 'Making It In Hollywood'. The new media way. Answers on a postcard please.

We live in interesting times.

Oh, and the lovely peeps at Channel 4, have invited me to their 4
Talent party tomorrow night. Yay.

Douglas

Cancer Victims' Anthem Of Hope

UKGigs.TV were pleased to produce the Indiana Gregg Home Concert at the North London Ovarian Cancer Support Group. The UK's press have featured the concert on their websites.

You can read more here:-

CANCER VICTIMS' ANTHEM OF HOPE

All the world's a stage

Hope you like the picture. Its from the Globe Theatre on the South Bank. Its a beautiful day in London and the South Bank is very busy with lots to see and do within a short stroll.

This morning I was with Lyn who has been reviewing in Glasgow and moved to London two weeks ago. She is keen to continue reviewing down here. A quick visit to The National Theatre and it looks like the new writing week in July will be Lyn's first project.

There are lots of new reviews this week at www.Uktheatre.net and some opportunities for producers and actors. Look out for an Indiana Gregg video on The Mirror site later this week. I am in the middle of editing as we speak.

My Bebo adventures continue and I am delighted and honoured to have a section on uk theatre in their new look video section. Email me your mpg video and I can include some footage in a 'whats on' feature.

Finally, all the world continues to be a uk theatre network stage. Members are connecting up in New York, Toronto, Hollywood and France. Long may it continue.

Have a great weekend.

Douglas

Good UK FILM advice

Good evening

One of the best places in Cannes is the UK Film Centre. Its a good place to meet others, get advice and listen to a panel of expert filmmakers on a wide variety of topics. Its right on the beach and has several internet screens to catch up on emails.

Wish I was there :)

Indiana Gregg first home concert was a success. Lots of press and The Herald photographer took a snap, so look out for that later this week. Glasgow based actress Vivienne Taylor had a great time interviewing and presenting with Mark Scott and Neil Hartop's cameras at the ready.

More tomorrow night in London.

Douglas

The Cannes Jungle Of Ladders

Good evening.

This is the scene in front of the red carpet on the hottest but closest seats in the house. Everyone is so good natured. When a major star arrives thousands of fans wait patiently to see their favourite performer. Its actually a lot of fun for everyone from teenagers to grandparents all cheering someone and looking to get that phone cam picture of their favourite performer. Many chain ladders in a prime position before the festival has opened and leave it there all week.


Back in London.

Wish I was there. :)

Douglas

Cinema On The Beach

Bon soir

When was the last time you watched a movie. . . on the beach ?

The screen folds down at night as the sun starts to set, and everyone chilling out on the beach is treated to some classic films. I noticed Laurence Olivier in Hamlet which I think is one of the centenary edition dvds I have to review when I get back.

I might have mentioned before that I met the editor of Screen International at the Ennio Morricone event in Hollywood this year. I noticed his name in the daily Cannes magazines and decided to call him and left a voicemail. Today I received a call from their UK representative and she wanted more details of Making It In Hollywood and what filming I was able to get in Cannes. We are meeting up next week in London.

So Cannes for me, now stands for Contacts, Appointments, News, Networking, Entertainment and Success.

There is a rumour about Jude Law and Jessica Simpson having a brief encounter at one of the premieres. Who knows where that one might lead but as I have them both on film it will certainly get a mention on the Cannes leg of Making It In Hollywood.

I watched Michael Moore's Sicko. Go see it is the bottom line. I also saw one of the funniest short films in Cannes. More on both of these tomorrow.

The theatre review team have been busy this week I see, and Cameron Lowe is running another ticket competition in glasgow. See www.uktheatre.net for details.

As ever, missing you and wish you were here :)

Douglas

Leonardo arrives at 11th hour

Bon jour

It took a two hour wait in the sun, and much jostling with photographers and camera crews around the world, but eventually Leonardo Dicaprio arrived to promote his latest venture called 11th Hour. Its a documentary about the status of our planet and many stars are backing the concept.

Shortly after, I bumped into UKTN member Alice De Sousa who is Artistic Director at Greenwich Theatre. She works in film as well as theatre and has a few projects on the go.

This morning I interviewed writer Sal Brown and she provided some great advice for getting the most out of Cannes.

Last day here for me but I will continue to bring you news and pics when I get back to London.

Wish you were here. Au revoir.

Douglas

Meeting A Major Movie Star

Bon jour

Ca va aujourdui ?

My high school French is slowly coming back and getting beyond the 'two beers please', but only just.

A chef on one of the yachts told us that Liz Hurley and James Blunt were in adjacent yachts to the one she was on. So we took a wander down and ended up being part of the press call for Jessica Simpson. Her new movie is called Major Movie Star. We waited two hours before she arrived but the footage was worth it.

Don Allen, a UK director was our interview today. His film Three Minute Moments is on the UK FILM COUNCIL sales list and he has been so busy that I had to stop his head from spinning first.
Having fun. Wish you were here.

Douglas

Red Balloons flying in Cannes

French films have a character of their own and The Flight Of The Red Balloon starring Juliet Binoche doesnt disappoint. I am not a fan of subtitles but I found this one easier as the dialogue is often interrupted with some visuals of a red balloon. Flying. Its strange how it works and at times you are wondering why the Director has indulged the audience in such basic imagery.

The script feels improvised as the trivial conversations feel like everyday banter made up on the spot, and often there are natural pauses and stumbling over words. I think it is more likely down to some excellent acting from the cast and the natural style of the filming.

On other fronts, I bumped into Sal Brown again. The last time was at Los Angeles check in on the way home. She gave me some good advice about Cannes. This time it was at a UK Film Council event for short film makers.

Anita Lewton sat next to me at a screening. She heads up the training at New Producers Alliance. So networking is going well and becoming the most valuable thing that Cannes has to offer.

Lots to share with you when I get back.

Wish you were here.

Douglas

My Cannes Nights

Bon Soir

Its a hard life in the film business. All that sun and watching the stars walk the red carpet. Stephen Frears, Jude Law and Jake Gyllenhaal as well as Toni Collette and Nora Jones are now part of the 'Making It In Hollywood' story after a a long wait and sore arms holding the camera with tripod above the crowds. Such a hard life.

More interviews of independent film makers planned for the weekend next to some of the so-called yachts. I'd call them ships!

Back home the news is getting exciting. The national press have picked up on the Ukgigs home concerts which will be filmed next week. The Managing Director of the Mirror has even offered his home for a night in June.

My Blueberry Nights was excellent. Simple story of relationships with some classy filming and great acting especially from Nora Jones in her debut performance. Great to watch.

See you soon. Wish you were here.

Douglas

60th Cannes Film Festival

Welcome, bien venue, welkom.

Weather beautiful. Registered. Booked some screening times for the weekend. Took a pic of the red carpet. Found hotel. Blogged this :)

Nora Jones, Jude Law and Rachel Weisz are first on the red carpet with My Blueberry Nights.

Got my first audience member. A New Orleans publicist. Another 8 and I can fill the special screening booths. Only once for the entire festival. The screenings are all on interactive screens around the festival as well. I noticed 'Making It In Hollywood' in the catalogue so I didn't miss that deadline in April thankfully.

Have a nice day. Will blog again tomorrow.

Douglas in Cannes
www.ukfilm.tv

Making It In Hollywood - The Red Carpet Walk

Making It In Hollywood (Trailer)

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Making It In Hollywood - Poster/Flyer

Cannes Short Film Corner 2007

Making It In Hollywood
There's no business like show business


Featuring
Clint Eastwood, Ennio Morricone, Kate Winslet, Ellen Degeneres
Contributors
Joshua Finkel, Teresa Earle, Rodney Saulsberry,
Chris Dickerson, Jim Neville, Sara Lappin, Jo Price.
Music
James Tinney
Directors
Douglas McFarlane, Chris Dickerson

Written, Edited and Produced by
Douglas McFarlane

A look inside the business of Hollywood and what it takes to be a success in the heart of one of the toughest and most competitive industries in the world. Filmed over one weekend in Hollywood, during the Oscars, the journey taken by Scots actor Douglas McFarlane to find out hints and tips to making a start, takes some interesting and unplanned turns, as the magic of Hollywood film-making takes over.

For further details and to keep in touch with the films progress, send a blank email to subscribe@ukfilm.tv

Free Ennio Morricone CD

The Sunday Times are giving away a FREE CD tomorrow featuring the music of Ennio Morricone's greatest movie scores.

Regular readers of this blog will know that both Clint and Ennio are featured in 'Making It In Hollywood'. Their first meeting in 40 years was totally unexpected and I was lucky enough to be at the event when Clint walked in the room. The excitement of that night is part of the story of the weekend in Hollywood that I captured on high definition.

Visitors to Cannes will be the first to see my 15 minutes of short film fame :)

Ed Stoppard exits stage left

Contrary to Bob Geldof's 80s hit, I DO like Mondays. They have become a regular theatre night for me.

The second in the Brief Encounters series at the Tristan Bates Theatre with Prunella Scales was informative and educational as well as being an insight into the acting talent that went into the infamous Fawlty Towers episodes.

Then in my normal random fashion, I passed by some of the top West End productions like a kid in DisneyWorld looking for the next rollercoaster.

I decided to see if i could catch my friend Adam Millard who is understudying at The Glass Menagerie.

Tonight however Ed Stoppard did not break a leg and Adam had to be content with a mention in the programme and a drink with me afterwards.

I took this picture of Ed with Mark Umbers while waiting at the stage door, minutes after they had exited stage left from playing opposite Jessica Lange.

It was a great play with a very talented cast. I would recommend you catch it before it ends its run in May.

And. . .let me know if you are lucky enough to see Adam.

UK Theatre Network - Weekly Newsletter

What's On | West End Tickets | UK Reviews | US Reviews | UKTheatre TV USTheater TV | UKFilm TV | Contact Editor

---

From the Editor:

I may say this every week, but I really do thank you for continuing to visit www.uktheatre.net and I much appreciate your feedback which helps me to understand what you like the most. If you haven't sent me an email for a while, why not do one today.

There are some exciting developments in the pipeline, but until they are kicked off, I'm holding back on saying anything. One of the ideas I've been building up for years and each time I get close, someone gets cold feet. Such is life. You really need tenacity in this business and belief in your ideas. In the meantime, it's important to enjoy the journey and have a laugh. I'm still laughing at the fun I had at the Oscars. I haven't been able to show you the footage, as the various potential partners I'm dealing with want the material to be exclusive and as they are very busy people, it's taking longer than I had hoped.

One thing that I can say, is that if you have a CD or DVD of your theatre production or short film, and would like it included in an online review, then please get in touch by replying to this email.

Have a good weekend.

Douglas McFarlane

Editor@UKTheatre.Net

---

It's infectious

enthusiasm for

the theatre

can only

be commended*

* The Times commenting on UK Theatre Network

UKTHEATRE REVIEWS

Title	Description	Date
Relative Values	It's all about class at the Greenwich Playhouse. Tuesday - Saturday @ 7.45 Sunday @ 4 Box Office: 020 8858 9256 Tickets; £11 (9)	3/16/2007
Platonov	The Maly Theare of St Petersburg at the Barbican	3/14/2007
Death of a Salesman at Bolton Octagon	Bolton fields a team of reliable players with a proven track record in Miller's classic tragedy	3/14/2007
The Agent	If you can't live, write; if you can't write, be a publisher; if you can't be a publisher, be a literary agent; if you can't be a literary agent, God help you - Colin Haycraft	3/12/2007
Whiter Than Snow	Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh 7-10th March- £12(£7) 0131 228 1404 www.traverse.co.uk Then Touring; www.graeae.org www.birmingham-rep.co.uk	3/12/2007

UKFILM REVIEWS

Title	Description	Date
Meet the Robinsons	Disney's latest CGI animation is a sci-fi story that will only appeal to children. It is being shown in 3D in selected cinemas.	3/16/2007
Fast Food Nation	The best-selling exposé on the US fast food industry is fictionalised by director Richard Linklater to make it easier to digest.	3/16/2007
300	The latest digital backlot adaptation of a Frank Miller comic is about to hit the big screens	3/12/2007
The Good German	Soderbergh and Clooney make a post war noir thriller.	3/9/2007
Becoming Jane	Did Jane Austen really fall in love and nearly marry?	3/7/2007

EVENTS DIARY

3/27/2007	Play	'Bard at the Bridewell'
3/30/2007	Comedy	Sausage Night III: The Revenge of the Sausage

3/31/2007

Play

Foolish People's Dark Nights of the Soul

4/3/2007

Play

The Inhabitants of the Moon are Noses/Diary of a Madman

Put an event in YOUR event diary and tell others as well.

RECENT ARTICLES

Title	Description	Date
He Said, She Said: Battle of the Genders in Theatre	Where there’s love, there’s also conflict. Besides blossoming romance there is nothing else that theatre fans love to watch more than the opposite sexes engaging in a fierce duel of wits, will and verbiage	3/17/2007 5:58:00 AM
Little India	UKTN member Kevin Rowntree is appearing in Little India.	3/17/2007 5:54:00 AM
We Will Rock You!	The Hertfordshire-based performing arts group is one of the first to gain the licence to perform the show outside of the West End.	3/17/2007 5:29:00 AM
“An Everyday Occurrence”	Dave Heath’s new chamber opera is the proverbial fizzing bomb being bowled, into the midst of the arts world.	3/17/2007 5:22:00 AM
Byre Theatre - April Listings	Details of St Andrew's infamous Byre Theatre	3/17/2007 5:20:00 AM
Avenue Q	Hysterical NEW Weekday Prices for "The Funniest Show In Town" (Sky News)	3/17/2007 5:18:00 AM
THE ELEPHANT MAN	John Merrick’s three foot wide head of solid bone caused by a still unknown genetic defect made him a wealthy freak-show celebrity of his time, not perhaps unlike a latter day silicon enhanced footballer’s wife or botoxed Hollywood celebrity.	3/17/2007 5:14:00 AM

Are you getting your theatre fix ?

Its non-stop this weekend. From a great performance at the London Fashion College on Friday, a tour around Shakespeare's Globe theatre on Saturday afternoon. Little Shop Of Horrors on Saturday night. An interview with a cast member of The Glass Menagerie on Sunday. Tonight was a question and answer session with Julie Walters and I have just came out of that and noticed that Spamalot has not started yet and had a few tickets left.

After Hollywood, its been great getting back into theatre in London. Are you getting your theatre fix ?

I will write up more this week. :)

Making It In Hollywood (excerpts)

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It's a wrap !

It's a wrap ! Indeed. I have had a fantastic time this weekend and I hope you enjoyed reading some of the blogs.

You have been reading about the making of a documentary film called "Making It In Hollywood" which had a backdrop of the Oscars. It not about the Oscars, it's about people creating, performing, directing, writing, presenting in Hollywood with lots of great information for new and aspiring performers as well as those well experienced in the business. Show business that is. Everything about it is appealing, as I said when I started the journey, and it certainly proved that point this weekend. It also reminded me that it is a BUSINESS and there are clearly ways to win in a business which are not always obvious to everyone.

I personally found it was educational and informative to myself in "making" the documentary with some interesting challenges that come with producing, directing, filming, presenting, editing and blogging. Not least of which is the mindset that is needed to be thinking about the entire process, all the time. "Exhausting" sums it up nicely.

The end result is also a snapshot on life and culture around Hollywood in 2007 which will continue to be a fascinating place to visit and I will certainly be back for the 80th Academy Awards in 2008 with an even bigger project (watch this space).

In the meantime, many thanks for being part of the blog. I will get back to the UK and settle in, recover from my lack of sleep and get back a sense of normality. In the meantime, here's some official pictures from the very supportive people of The Academy press department.

UKFilm.TV - Kate Winslett, Celine Dion, Ellen Degeneres

Live Blogcast from the Oscars Red Carpet

Live Blogcast from the Oscars Red Carpet

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Honorary Oscar - Ennio Morricone

It's Oscars day ! I've been up since 4:30am. I couldn't sleep. It's now 7am and I've spent the last few hours looking through several tapes of the weekend so far. There are already some great images and footage from interviews, and the big night has yet to start. Ennio Morricone (pictured) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award tonight for his extensive work in film and becomes only the second composer to win such an award. He is most recognised for the Spaghetti Western classics like The Good The Bad and The Ugly and composed the music for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill movies.

The helicopters are circling over the hotel where I am at the moment and the sun is casting some nice shadows over the otherwise garish Egyptian facade of the Hollywood and Highland centre which encompasses the Kodak Theatre and the Renaissance Hotel. The red carpet area has around 50 stands paid for by film companies broadcasting live and their extensive preparations have been going all weekend. The stage manager was kind enough to allow me to film one of my interviews on one of them.

The entrance where the limousines arrive has been constantly mobbed in the run up, and this is expected to be where the most crowds will be tonight. There are several other exclusive outlets around the hotel and the pool area which have a great vantage point, however these have been closed of for security purposes.

So, it's an anything can happen kind of day. Guerilla filmmaking in action. I already have enough footage for "Making It In Hollywood", to tell the story I wanted to tell, but it would be nice to get a bit of footage of the Brits like Helen Mirren, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Peter O'Toole or young James McEvoy.

Enjoy the Oscars tonight wherever you are. It's been a fantastic weekend and I'm coming home tomorrow delighted that I made the journey over here. The people I've met have been incredibly helpful and supportive of the filming I've been doing, and I have a significant story to create on film on my return. Not one that will be over and done with at the end of the Oscars, but one that will provide actors, directors, presenters, press and movie lovers some great moments which will be watched online for many years.

"Making It In Hollywood".......(part 1?)

Clint Eastwood is in the building

The title says it all. I attended a small and exclusive event for Ennio Morricone. He is to receive an honorary Oscar on Sunday and tonight a cocktail party was held to recognise the composer.

The night had progressed well and then the dynamics changed. Clint Eastwood arrived and my 'Making It In Hollywood' film became newsworthy with some exciting footage of the two geniuses meeting. I was in the middle of it all with camera in hand and I quickly asked my Hollywood director to get in on the action. The result was some exciting film capturing the buzz and a very pleasant moment when two legends met.

Look out for coverage of the event on UKFILM.tv and around the world. A Fox presenter asked Clint a few questions before adding a section to camera and saying 'it doesnt get much better than this'. I agreed.

Hollywood!

Your host, Joan Rivers

Morning. The sun is shining in Hollywood today thankfully. It was wet when I left London and wet when I arrived in LA last night.

I had an early start this morning and received my access pass and immediately went downstairs and managed to walk along the red carpet with high definition camera at the ready. It will be good experience for the future (tongue firmly in cheek), and a great start to 'Making It In Hollywood'. I did it twice to make sure I had it nailed.

The hotel was a perfect choice as the traffic is mad and there are lots of roads closed. Joan Rivers also made a good choice and was also up and out early. She is in the room next door, but the glass on the wall trick didn't seem to uncover anything. 'Oh please' was all I heard.

Joan and her daughter Melissa are hosting the pre Oscars event (her 11th oscars apparently), and she will be finding out what all the best dressed people in Hollywood are wearing. 'Marks and Spencers' is my honest answer so I am keeping low key.

I have been invited to the Ennio Morricone cocktail party tonight and will send another update after that.

Have a nice day, ya hear.

Follow the signs

The journey begins. I wake up singing. Really. # there's no business like show business there's no business I know. Everything about it is appealing # - I agree with myself and realise how happy I am that I decided to accept the opportunity to cover the Oscars.

The day just gets better. I check my email and a journalist from The Scotsman wants my number in Los Angeles. The Renaissance Hotel I tell him before I leave for the airport.

I bump into an old work colleague on the way to the tube. His friend is an entertainment journalist and is covering the Oscars, I leave my card.

I get to the tube and stand next to a woman with a Hollywood bag. Another sign that I am heading in the right direction.

At the airport I think about a gift for my guests who have agreed to be interviewed. Eight miniature bottles of the rarely seen Auchentoshan whisky from my birthplace are sitting waiting on me as I arrive at the checkout.

I am now relaxed on the flight and finishing this blog before the air stewards come along.

If Carlsberg did air travel. . . .

UKTheatre.TV - Laurence Olivier Awards 2007

The Society of London Theatre's prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards 2007 were held in London on Sunday night. Lesley Garrett, Kim Catrell, Don Johnson, Elaine Paige and many more stars of stage were out in force. Click play to watch official video of the night.

UKTheatre.TV - Laurence Olivier Awards
Film by kind permission of The Society of London Theatre.
Created by TheatreVision.
Copyright Society of London Theatre/TheatreVision 2007.
For full extended film coverage of the 2007 Laurence Olivier Awards,
visit www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

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Lunchtime theatre

Theatre has become part of my every day life now without thinking about it. Even a lunchtime stroll around The Cut in Southwark, where I was looking for a shoe shop to get a new pair for the 'Oscars', turned into a theatre journey.

The Bookshop Theatre caught my eye and I had to pop in. Very quickly the books were jumping into my hands and Samuel Beckett was in abundance. They have a little stage at the back where actors perform readings and plays. Delightful, atmospheric and intimate are the words that spring to mind. Worth a visit sometime.

Across the road The Young Vic has a busy theatre bar and the box office and PR staff are busy chatting and preparing for this evening's performance of The Soldier's Fortune.

Walking a little further along and The Old Vic comes into view. The signs for the Taming Of The Shrew and Twelfth Night have still to be replaced following the final performance on Saturday. Robert Lindsay stars in John Osborne's The Entertainer and opens on Friday so the exterior work has a few days to go.

Theatre fix for the day over, I return without shoes but with a story to tell and a Samuel Beckett book for the flight and chill out moments in the rooftop pool in Hollywood's Oscars hotel The Renaissance.

Have a nice day in the world of theatre wherever you are.

It's a funny old business.....

There I was, sitting on the train minding my own business and reading the paper when..........

It's a strange business the world of entertainment. One minute your acting in a Steinbeck play and the next the director is asking you to take a picture for his next production ! Andy Gaukel is an American working in Glasgow and a real nice guy who works very hard, so I couldn't say no. He text me today, apparently this is now plastered across the walls of Glasgow in newspapers and on websites everywhere :-)

You can see the Wee Giant Theatre Company at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow on February 12th and 13th for ages 5-10. If you are in Glasgow, give him your support and take the kids for an enjoyable day out, they'll have fun. I certainly did !

http://www.tron.co.uk/whatson.asp?e=67

More Infamous

I did promise to post a few more pictures of Daniel Craig and Toby Jones in Infamous. So here they are.

UKFilm.TV At The Oscars - Step 1 Book The Hotel

As Oscars fever starts, I hope to bring you a regular update on this blog and let you know about my travels and experiences in covering the Oscars for the first time. My press access was approved this week and I should be able to use my Sony phone to take pictures and blog them direct to your inbox from Hollywood, seconds after I've taken it. If you arrived at this page via an email, then you are subscribed. If not, send an email to alerts@uktheatre.net - to stop receiving them, simply click on the link at the bottom of any email you receive.

First of, I've booked the hotel. The Hollywood Renaissance Hotel is the actual hotel where the Oscars are being held. I had to be quick just to get a deluxe suite, as the standard rooms were all taken as you can imagine. I'm also getting in touch with my BAFTA LA colleagues and the various publicists at Sony, Warners etc to try and get invites to some of the events and infamous parties in and around the city. I'll let you know how it goes in the next update.

And Martin Freeman

Martin is not in the film but like all good actors, he mingled in and played the part of the star that he is. Breaking and entering is his latest film where he plays opposite Jude Law.

UKFILM news as it happens

Toby Jones and Daniel Craig take a photo call at the Bafta screening of Infamous which also stars Sandra Bullock.

Infamous

I am heading out to see the BAFTA screening of Infamous with Toby Jones and Daniel Craig providing an opportunity to ask questions at the end. Here's the trailer.


Infamous Trailer

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UKFilm.TV Video Blog 2007

MISS POTTER - UK Trailer - IN CINEMAS JANUARY 5

Whilst delighting generations of children with her books, Beatrix Potter kept her own story locked carefully away. Directed by Chris Noonan (Babe) and starring Academy Award® winner Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Cold Mountain) and Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), Miss Potter is the enchanting love story inspired by Beatrix Potter’s life and love affair with her publisher Norman Warne IN CINEMAS EVERYWHERE JANUARY 5 – visit www.misspottermovie.co.uk for more info.

UKFILM.tv meets Tony Blair

Well, not the real one. Michael Sheen who plays the part of Tony Blair very convincingly in the movie The Queen. I had a chance to meet him this morning at the Bafta screening of the film and ask him about his role. I will write it up soon. Bottom line: A very honest and human account of the events surrounding the death of Princess Diana with a plausible insight into how the Royal family reacted. A great film.

Love and Money

Sara-Mae Tuson was at the press night last night of Love And Money at the Young Vic in London. See her review online in our What's On section at www.Uktheatre.net

Can film reinvent itself like the music industry ?

Tonight at the Bafta Princess Anne Theatre, the lofty subject of how the film industry could do what the music industry have done was hotly debated. It was fuelled by UKFILM.TV producer Danny King who fired the debate with his extensive understanding of the business and detailed knowledge of making it happen. The industry is looking for new ways of distribution, cheaper routes to market and putting the profits back in the hands of the creators. It was an interesting discussion and a good forum to help shape what we are doing with UKFILM.TV and UKGIGS.TV. Watch this space.

The Royal Albert Hall

At first I was hesitant, then I plucked up the courage. . . to put the roof down in my car, put on some Jack Johnson and drive across London. I couldn't have done it without my trusty sat nav which took the stress out of not having the faintest idea of where I was. However I was soon delighted with my choice as I pass the Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and then the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington. The Welsh Male Voice Choir are entertaining London tonight. Tickets are still available at the box office for 38 quid in the stalls. Quite cheap really as the parking is 15 quid while you watch it! Anyway, enjoy your weekend wherever you are, I hope it's as sunny a day as it is in London.

The Last King Of Scotland

A fantastic movie with a great cast, this one will win awards next year. The picture shows from left to right; Forest Whitaker who becomes Idi Amin right in front of your eyes; Kerry Washington who plays one of his many wives was passionate about the story behind the movie; Kevin Mcdonald who has directed a number of great movies and shows his talent in a new way; and James McAvoy the Scots doctor who finds himself deep in the heart of an evil dictator with no way out. A great night among great company at the London Film Festival.

London Calling

My New Neighbourhood !

Yes, I have made the jump and I am now London based with a free diary for interviews, reviews, filming and auditions.

Ashlee Simpson is on my interview hot list now that she is performing in Chicago. It's a long shot but she cancelled her birthday party after Posh pulled out, so she should be available !?

If you hear of the opening of an envelope going on, be sure to let me know.


Douglas McFarlane
Editor@UKTheatre.Net

Comedy at the fringe

Even having a quiet drink can be entertaining at the fringe. Comedienne Deborah Frances-White is seen here pulling in more audiences before her 715pm show at the Underbelly. Deborah's quick sense of humour had everyone she spoke to laughing afterwards. She has been doing well this year and is hoping to have a great final week before heading home to relax with her feet up.

South Africa entertains

The South African Youth Choir entertain the crowds visiting this years Edinburgh Fringe. Check out Uktheatre.net for the latest reviews and video clips coming online each day.

They come from near and far

We often forget how widely known the Edinburgh Fringe has become. I have just finished reviewing Third From The Left who are from Los Angeles, and walked along the Royal Mile and watched the South African youth choir before asking for the picture above from South Korean performers of The Train. The sun is shining the audiences are plentiful, it looks like the fringe has managed to get even bigger and better this year.

Hey Diddle Diddle

Liverpool based national students theatre give an impromptu performance me their musical on a mobile stage on the royal mile. Performers can book a slot to attract audiences.

Entertainment while you wait

The 'Past half remembered' cast play music and offer free vodka to drum up last minute ticket sales and entertain their waiting audiences at the Pleasance Courtyard at 4pm.

Edinburgh Fringe - Bill Hicks -

UKTheatre.TV clip of Bill Hicks performance at the Edinburgh Fringe 2006 which has just opened.

www.MySpace.com/UKTheatre

Bats let loose on Royal Mile

Some of the cast of Bat Boy The Musical take a break and get some sunlight.

Edinburgh Castle

In between walking between venues dont forget to take in a bit of the amazing scenery in Edinburgh. This is the castle from Princes Gardens.

I've just came from a sold out show at the Traverse. A comedy drama Strawberries in January and it was as sweet as the title suggests. Booking advised.

Douglas
Www.Uktheatre.net

The festival that never sleeps

Saturday, another day for the actors to get on the streets of Edinburgh and plug their show. Its a tough job so give them your support and encouragement by taking one. You can always put it in the nearest bin :-)

Love labours won is still by far the best show I've seen and I am still smiling from the experience. Magic !

The Edinburgh review team have lots of others to tell you about and I have a full schedule tomorrow at the Traverse with my brother who will be sharing some of the review duties with me.

Visit the website for updates and I will send a newsletter out on Monday.

Douglas
Www.Uktheatre.net

Rogue Shakespeare

Love Labours Won at the Gilded Balloon at 3pm.

I met with Producer, Author and Director Ryan J-W Smith (pictured on right) after a thoroughly entertaining show this afternoon. If you are in Edinburgh make sure you put this on your list to see. If not, look out for our review and online footage coming soon.

Canadian actor Adam D Millard is on the left.

Douglas
Www.Uktheatre.net

Summer nights at the Pleasance

For those who've been to the fringe, I'm sure you will have visited the Pleasance Courtyard and experienced the buzz and electric atmosphere of this unique venue.

The UKTheatre.TV crew were filming yesterday and again today so that we can bring you even more of that atmosphere to your Internet pages and IPODs.

Douglas
Editor@UKTheatre.net
www.uktheatre.net

Strangers on the street

Hi

Its that time of year. The streets of Edinburgh become strange and wonderful.

Stay tuned for your daily Uktheatre blog pic and update from the heart of the fringe festival.

Our first video podcasts start production tonight so be sure to setup your internet tv and ipods to receive our trailers and previews and email editor@Uktheatre.net if you need any help in doing so. Remember if you upgrade to gold you will automatically be upgraded to platinum and you will not only be receiving great theatre in your inbox but you will have access to all the online features all year round.

Douglas