Skins: Season 4 - Preview & competition
Preview by Jack Foley
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Bonus Skins stories; Animated feature; Behind the scenes videos; Commentaries with writers and directors.
THE critically-acclaimed and multi BAFTA award-winning drama, Skins, returns for a fourth series available to own on DVD from Monday, March 22, 2010, with the Series 1-4 Box Set released on the same date by 4DVD.
The Skins gang is back at college after the summer break and their hedonism knows no bounds as they live life to the ethos of no consequences, no tomorrow and you can all live forever.
Their care-free bubble abruptly bursts when a near-stranger needlessly dies, sending a shockwave through the entire group. The tragedy leaves Thomas (Merveille Lukeba) questioning everything – his faith, his family and even his choice of friends. The reverberations will reach far beyond Thomas’s story, affecting the lives of all those we know around him.
Effy (Kaya Scodelario) returns – no longer with her queen-bee status, and still struggling to deal with her family issues. Her best friend, Pandora (Lisa Backwell), is back adorable and kooky as ever.
Twins Katie (Megan Prescott) and Emily (Kathryn Prescott) are visibly different – after leaving her sister’s shadow Emily is head over heels in love, but while she’s finding out what life is really like, Katie is left behind in a family meltdown.
Naomi (Lily Loveless) seems to have more to hide this series; while JJ (Ollie Barbieri) finally realises what love is. Meanwhile Cook (Jack O’Connell) is trying to simultaneously exorcise his demons and not reveal his weaknesses, and Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) finds out that love can lead you to the edge of sanity.
Series four will continue with guest appearances from Morwenna Banks as Anthea Stonem and Ronni Anconna as Jenna Fitch, alongside new guest artists including Chris Addison, Tanya Franks, Paul Kaye, Pauline Quirke, Simon Day, Dudley Sutton, Hugo Speer, Jenny Eclair, and Will Young.
The eight new episodes are written by a young British writing team, and are headed up by Executive Producer Bryan Elsley, Producer John Griffin and series directors Neil Biswas, Daniel O’Hara, Phillippa Langdale, and Esther May Campbell.
The series 4 DVD is packed with extra features including bonus Skins stories, an animated feature, behind the scenes videos, and commentaries with the writers and directors.
Win Skins: Season 4 on DVD
To celebrate the release of Skins: Season 4 on DVD on March 22, 2010, IndieLondon has teamed up with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to offer readers the chance to win 1 of 3 copies. Simply answer the following question…
Q. Who plays the character of Cook in Skins: Season 4?
Simply send the answer to Skins S4 competition and include your name, address, telephone number and email
Twin Peaks: Season 2 - Preview
Preview by Jack Foley
WE’RE sorry about the wait but your patience is about to be rewarded as Twin Peaks: Season 2 finally arrives on DVD from March 22, 2010, appeasing the legion of fans who have made the series the most requested title in Universal Playback’s already impressive catalogue!
And completists can also rejoice with the arrival of the Twin Peaks Definitive Gold Box Edition on the same date.
Newly launched and in memory of the 20th anniversary of Laura Palmer’s death, the Twin Peaks website contains exclusive content including interviews, competitions to win signed merchandise, clips, screensavers, wallpapers and more! Click here to enter the mysterious world of Twin Peaks
‘The Home Of Cult TV’, Universal Playback has inked the deal cult fans across the UK have been waiting for, allowing them finally to follow the bizarre investigation into the death of a pretty ingénue to its heart-stopping conclusion.Directed by the legendary David Lynch (The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001)), Twin Peaks Season 2 picks up from the incredible first season cliff-hanger that saw Agent Cooper (Kyle Maclachlan) shot repeatedly as he closed in on the mystery surrounding the brutal murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee).
But if you think Season 2 sees the strangeness abate, you’d be wrong, as Agent Cooper’s investigations take him deeper and deeper into a murky otherworld and to the very brink of madness itself…
Twin Peaks originally aired between 1990 and 1991, going one of the most critically acclaimed and popular TV series around the globe.
Taking root in popular culture, Lynch’s visionary series regularly tops lists of the best TV shows ever and is as popular today as it was when it first aired, making its 20th anniversary year the perfect time to finally fulfil fans’ wishes with this fantastic DVD release.
Notable guest appearances in Season 2 include Heather Graham, Billy Zane, David Duchovny and, of course, David Lynch himself as a very peculiar and very deaf senior FBI agent!
Season 1 was released on DVD in the UK in 2001 and has consistently been one of Universal Playback’s best-sellers ever since, selling more than 109,000 units.
Season 2 has since been released on DVD in the US, Australia and Germany but, until now, not in the UK. The wait is finally over!
Goran Visnjic lines up Boston's Finest
Story by Jack Foley
FORMER ER star Goran Visnjic is in negotiations to star in new cop drama, Boston’s Finest, for ABC.
The actor, best known for playing Dr Luka Kovac for nine seasons on the medical drama, would star opposite Katee Sackhoff and Nia Long in the drama pilot.
The show would find Visnjic playing a disgraced ex-cop who is partnered with a new detective (Sackhoff) as they solve crimes and attempt to untangle the conspiracy that sent him underground.
Long will play Sackhoff’s friend and mentor, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Since departing ER, Visnjic has co-starred in the 2009 CBS movie The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler.
He also recently starred alongside joined Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent and Christopher Plummer on indie drama Beginners.
In other US casting news, British actor Dougray Scott will join Molly Parker on new CBS drama Quinn-Tuplets.
The programme, which will follow the personal and professional lives of the Quinn quintuplets, will find Scott playing the documentary filmmaker who has chronicled the quints’ lives.
Tom Selleck set for CBS family cop drama
Story by Jack Foley
TOM Selleck is in final negotiations to play the lead role in a new family cop drama pilot for CBS.
The as-yet untitled project, which was formerly known as Reagan’s Law, is described as a multi-generational drama revolving around a family of New York cops, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Selleck would play Michael, the handsome and highly commended chief of police for the NYPD who lives in Brooklyn with his father, Patrick (played by Len Cariou).
Donnie Wahlberg has also signed on to play Michael’s son, Brian, who is also a detective.
For TV veteran Selleck, the role would mark the actor’s first regular series lead since his stint on Las Vegas during its final season.
Small Island is the toast of Royal Television Society Awards
Story by Jack Foley
BBC drama Small Island landed two of the top acting honours at the Royal Television Society Awards on Tuesday night (March 16, 2010), for stars Naomie Harris and David Oyelowo.
Harris beat Julie Walters, nominated for BBC One drama A Short Stay in Switzerland, and Suranne Jones, who starred in Unforgiven, to the best actress prize, while Oyelowo was named best actor for his work on the adaptation of Andrea Levy’s novel.
A delighted Harris immediately thanked her mother at the ceremony, describing her as her “accent coach”.
“Without her I don’t think [my character] Hortense would have been half as good as she was,” she said.
The ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London was hosted by Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon.
Comedian Harry Hill scooped the top prize of the night, beating Michael McIntyre and Ant and Dec to best entertainment performance for his TV Burp show on ITV1.
But the night belonged mostly to the BBC, which one 18 of the 25 main prizes up for grabs.
The corporation also took home the coveted best drama prize for its BBC1 drama The Street, created by Bafta-winning writer Jimmy McGovern and featuring an ensemble cast including Stephen Graham and Anna Friel. Ironically, the show was taken off air last year after its third series.
And soap favourite EastEnders pipped The Bill and Casualty in the soap and continuing drama category.
Acclaimed satire The Thick Of It took the best scripted comedy accolade, while BBC Four’s news review show Newswipe beat Simon Cowell’s two ITV1 shows Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor in the best entertainment section.
Louis Theroux was named best presenter for his BBC documentary A Place For Paedophiles, the provocative programme that featured interviews with convicted sex offenders in America.
And actress Miranda Hart won best comedy performance for her title role in BBC Two’s Miranda.
Of the other main winners, Heston Blumenthal triumphed in the features and lifestyle series category for his Channel 4 show Heston’s Feasts, which recreates Victorian recipes.
And Iain Morris and Damon Beesley won the award for comedy writing for E4’s The Inbetweeners.
Documentary film maker Norma Percy was presented with the Judges’ Prize, while Coronation Street creator Tony Warren was presented with the lifetime achievement award for his work on the long-running ITV soap, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this December.
American advertising drama Mad Men was recognised in the international section.
The Mentalist: Season 1 - Preview & competition
Preview by Jack Foley
FOLLOW independent consultant Patrick Jane, as he embarks on a series of crime solving quests, in the critically acclaimed US drama The Mentalist, available on Monday, March 8 courtesy of Warner Home Video.
Patrick Jane played by Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker (Devil Wears Prada, The Guardian), who works with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation.
Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a former psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he faked. Jane’s role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly valued by his fellow agents.
However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon, played by Robin Tunney (Empire Records, Prison Break), openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane’s usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries.
Lisbon’s team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman) and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti), who all think Jane’s a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for solving cases.
Throughout the series Jane uses his mentalist skills to crack a number of complex murder cases including a wealthy banker who is found murdered inside his locked safe house, a school girl who’s body mysteriously washes up on the beach and even a crime where his former psychiatrist is the prime subject.
The series was created by Bruno Heller (Rome) with a pilot directed by Emmy® winner David Nutter (The Sopranos, Band of Brothers, The X-Files), and broadcast on FIVE earlier this year.
Win The Mentalist: Season 1 on DVD
To celebrate the release of The Mentalist: Season 1 on DVD on March 8, 2010, IndieLondon has teamed up with Warner Home Video to offer readers the chance to win 1 of 2 copies. Simply answer the following question…
Q. Who directed the pilot episode of The Mentalist?
Simply send the answer to Mentalist S1 competition and include your name, address, telephone number and email
Glee spoilers revealed at Paleyfest 2010
Story by Jack Foley
THE cast and creative team of hit musical show Glee have been giving away some spoilers concerning what to expect as the show winds down its first season and prepares for a sophomore run.
Speaking from Paleyfest 2010 in America, series creator Ryan Murphy promised a second season episode featuring nothing but original music.
“We are going to do an episode in the second season with all original music,” he said, before adding that another episode towards the close of the first season would feature the music of Lady Gaga.
The episode in question will be devoted to “the power of theatricality”, according to Murphy, who added: “She’s arguably the most important pop star right now.”
One of the show’s star, Matthew Morrison (who plays Will), then revealed that he’ll be singing a second duet with guest star Neil Patrick Harris… “one is an Aerosmith song, the other is a Billy Joel song”.
While there will also be another forthcoming episode devoted to the music of Madonna – with 10 of the Material Girl’s songs set to feature in general – including a rendition of Vogue from Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch).
According to the report on The Hollywood Reporter’s website Jane Lynch also drew the most laughs from the cast appearance thanks largely to revelations concerning some of the things her character has said that could not be aired on US TV.
Two such gems from the acid-tongued cheerleading head include “Shut your mouth before I rape it” (which didn’t make the cut) and “I will kick you square in the vagina!” – which might yet still!
For more Glee spoilers, follow this link
Eastbound & Down: Season 1 - Review
Review by Jack Foley
HBO scored another comedy hit with Eastbound & Down, a rude, downbeat comedy that featured a fine central performance from Danny McBride.
Admittedly, the show was an acquired taste and frequently made for uncomfortable viewing – taking the cringe-inducing comedy style of landmark shows such as The Office and taking it to the next level.
But there were moments of genuine heart, too, which enabled it to remain a consistently surprising show.
McBride (of Tropic Thunder/Pineapple Express movie fame) stars as Kenny Powers, a guy who had it all at just 19 – the best pitcher in Major League Baseball, fans screaming his name and sponsorship deals to make David Beckham turn green with envy.
But two things got in the way: his fading fastball and his insufferable personality. After a spectacular career flame-out, Kenny goes home to Shelby County, NC and lands a job as a substitute gym teacher, where his high school sweetheart April Buchanon (Katy Mixon), provides a welcome distraction to his eclipsed star status.
Whilst crashing at his brother’s place, Kenny spends every waking moment cashing in the last of his dying fame and plotting his inevitable comeback.
As central characters go, Powers was a train-wreck. Conceited, arrogant, selfish, rude, ignorant and self-obsessed, he nevertheless remained an endearing presence thanks to McBride’s ability to pull back the curtain ever so slightly to show a good soul battling to get through.
Goodness seldom prevailed, of course, but as each of the six episodes progressed, there was a sustained sense of hope that Powers would pull it together and learn from past mistakes – a story arc that made the bittersweet ending all the more poignant and lasting.
And Powers was by no means the biggest baffoon on the block. Will Ferrell’s outrageous car salesman was a schumck in need of a comedown, that Powers eventually managed to provide in one of the show’s undoubted highlights, while his high school principal was another fool awaiting a fall.
Eastbound & Down certainly won’t appeal to every taste as its capacity to offend is high, while the humour is hit-and-miss and quite often mean-spirited (you’ll hate yourself for laughing at times). But if you’re a fan of the Will Ferrell-Adam McKay (Anchorman/Step Brothers) brand of comedy, and like the risque humour of shows like The Office, then this has plenty to admire.
McBride, meanwhile, emerges as a real star in waiting and a fearlessly self-depracating comedy talent to rival the likes of Gervais, Stiller and Ferrell.
Certificate: 18
Episodes: 6
UK DVD Release: March 15, 2010
Guy Pearce joins Kate Winslet's Mildred Pierce
Story by Jack Foley
GUY Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood and Melissa Leo have joined the cast of HBO’s Mildred Pierce with Kate Winslet.
The five-hour mini-series features Oscar winner Winslet as a Los Angeles-based Depression era mother struggling to earn her daughter’s love.
It’s based on the novel by James M. Cain, which has previously been turned into an Oscar-winning movie starring Joan Crawford.
Todd Haynes, who made the critically-acclaimed Far From Heaven, will write the script (along with Jon Raymond) and direct the drama.
Filming is due to begin next month in New York.
Pearce was most recently seen in the ensemble Oscar-winning war film The Hurt Locker, while Leo was nominated last year for Frozen River.
Between them, the trio lend extra weight to Mildred Pierce‘s already impressive TV credentials.
Eastbound & Down: Season 1 - Preview & competition
Preview by Jack Foley
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Making of Eastbound & Down; Audio Commentaries; Deleted Scenes; Bloopers; Kenny Powers: Greatest Hits; Will Ferrell fake car commercials.
OUTRAGEOUS comedy character Kenny Powers is brought to life in HBO Home Entertainment’s hilarious new series Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season, released on DVD on March 15, 2010 following its successful broadcast on FX.
Smashing through the comedy league, HBO has done it again with this sensational new hit show from the production company of Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Step Brothers).
The series has met with widespread respect from critics with The Times saying ‘the script is beyond black’ and ‘slickly scabrous’ and The Guardian hailing it “the funniest sitcom there’s been in years”.
A spectacular all-star cast including Danny McBride (Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express), Andrew Daly (What Happens in Vegas), John Hawkes (Deadwood, 24), Katy Mixon (State of Play) and Ben Best (Land of the Lost), make Eastbound & Down a winner and an absolute must-own DVD.
The season kicks off with an introduction to Kenny Powers (McBride), the guy who had it all at just 19, the best pitcher in Major League Baseball, fans screaming his name and sponsorship deals to make David Beckham turn green with envy.
But two things got in the way: his fading fastball and his insufferable personality. After a spectacular career flame-out, Kenny goes home to Shelby County, NC and lands a job as a substitute gym teacher, where his high school sweetheart April Buchanon (Katy Mixon), provides a welcome distraction to his eclipsed star status.
Whilst crashing at his brother’s place, Kenny spends every waking moment since his fall cashing in the last of his dying fame plotting his inevitable comeback… one beer at a time.
Follow the hilarious trials of the mullet topped Powers, as he attempts to climb back up to the top of the league tables with the aid of his own hilarious self-help tapes.
Eastbound & Down was shot entirely on location in North Carolina and also includes guest appearances by Will Ferrell as a local car dealer with marvellous hair!
Packed with exclusive bonus material, the DVD includes unseen footage, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, the making of documentary and much more.
Win Eastbound & Down on DVD
To celebrate the release of Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season on DVD on March 15, 2010, IndieLondon has teamed up with HBO Home Entertainment to offer readers the chance to win 1 copy of the box set. Simply answer the following question…
Q. Who plays Kenny Powers’ sweetheart April Buchanon in Eastbound & Down?
Simply send the answer to Eastbound & Down competition and include your name, address, telephone number and email
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Skins: Season 4 - Preview & competition · 2 days ago by
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Bonus Skins stories; Animated feature; Behind the scenes videos; Commentaries with writers and directors.
THE critically-acclaimed and multi BAFTA award-winning drama, Skins, returns for a fourth series available to own on DVD from Monday, March 22, 2010, with the Series 1-4 Box Set released on the same date by 4DVD.
The Skins gang is back at college after the summer break and their hedonism knows no bounds as they live life to the ethos of no consequences, no tomorrow and you can all live forever.
Their care-free bubble abruptly bursts when a near-stranger needlessly dies, sending a shockwave through the entire group. The tragedy leaves Thomas (Merveille Lukeba) questioning everything – his faith, his family and even his choice of friends. The reverberations will reach far beyond Thomas’s story, affecting the lives of all those we know around him.
Effy (Kaya Scodelario) returns – no longer with her queen-bee status, and still struggling to deal with her family issues. Her best friend, Pandora (Lisa Backwell), is back adorable and kooky as ever.
Twins Katie (Megan Prescott) and Emily (Kathryn Prescott) are visibly different – after leaving her sister’s shadow Emily is head over heels in love, but while she’s finding out what life is really like, Katie is left behind in a family meltdown.
Naomi (Lily Loveless) seems to have more to hide this series; while JJ (Ollie Barbieri) finally realises what love is. Meanwhile Cook (Jack O’Connell) is trying to simultaneously exorcise his demons and not reveal his weaknesses, and Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) finds out that love can lead you to the edge of sanity.
Series four will continue with guest appearances from Morwenna Banks as Anthea Stonem and Ronni Anconna as Jenna Fitch, alongside new guest artists including Chris Addison, Tanya Franks, Paul Kaye, Pauline Quirke, Simon Day, Dudley Sutton, Hugo Speer, Jenny Eclair, and Will Young.
The eight new episodes are written by a young British writing team, and are headed up by Executive Producer Bryan Elsley, Producer John Griffin and series directors Neil Biswas, Daniel O’Hara, Phillippa Langdale, and Esther May Campbell.
The series 4 DVD is packed with extra features including bonus Skins stories, an animated feature, behind the scenes videos, and commentaries with the writers and directors.
Win Skins: Season 4 on DVD
To celebrate the release of Skins: Season 4 on DVD on March 22, 2010, IndieLondon has teamed up with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to offer readers the chance to win 1 of 3 copies. Simply answer the following question…
Q. Who plays the character of Cook in Skins: Season 4?
Simply send the answer to Skins S4 competition and include your name, address, telephone number and email
Twin Peaks: Season 2 - Preview · 2 days ago by
WE’RE sorry about the wait but your patience is about to be rewarded as Twin Peaks: Season 2 finally arrives on DVD from March 22, 2010, appeasing the legion of fans who have made the series the most requested title in Universal Playback’s already impressive catalogue!
And completists can also rejoice with the arrival of the Twin Peaks Definitive Gold Box Edition on the same date.
Newly launched and in memory of the 20th anniversary of Laura Palmer’s death, the Twin Peaks website contains exclusive content including interviews, competitions to win signed merchandise, clips, screensavers, wallpapers and more! Click here to enter the mysterious world of Twin Peaks
‘The Home Of Cult TV’, Universal Playback has inked the deal cult fans across the UK have been waiting for, allowing them finally to follow the bizarre investigation into the death of a pretty ingénue to its heart-stopping conclusion.Directed by the legendary David Lynch (The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001)), Twin Peaks Season 2 picks up from the incredible first season cliff-hanger that saw Agent Cooper (Kyle Maclachlan) shot repeatedly as he closed in on the mystery surrounding the brutal murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee).
But if you think Season 2 sees the strangeness abate, you’d be wrong, as Agent Cooper’s investigations take him deeper and deeper into a murky otherworld and to the very brink of madness itself…
Twin Peaks originally aired between 1990 and 1991, going one of the most critically acclaimed and popular TV series around the globe.
Taking root in popular culture, Lynch’s visionary series regularly tops lists of the best TV shows ever and is as popular today as it was when it first aired, making its 20th anniversary year the perfect time to finally fulfil fans’ wishes with this fantastic DVD release.
Notable guest appearances in Season 2 include Heather Graham, Billy Zane, David Duchovny and, of course, David Lynch himself as a very peculiar and very deaf senior FBI agent!
Season 1 was released on DVD in the UK in 2001 and has consistently been one of Universal Playback’s best-sellers ever since, selling more than 109,000 units.
Season 2 has since been released on DVD in the US, Australia and Germany but, until now, not in the UK. The wait is finally over!
Goran Visnjic lines up Boston's Finest · 3 days ago by
FORMER ER star Goran Visnjic is in negotiations to star in new cop drama, Boston’s Finest, for ABC.
The actor, best known for playing Dr Luka Kovac for nine seasons on the medical drama, would star opposite Katee Sackhoff and Nia Long in the drama pilot.
The show would find Visnjic playing a disgraced ex-cop who is partnered with a new detective (Sackhoff) as they solve crimes and attempt to untangle the conspiracy that sent him underground.
Long will play Sackhoff’s friend and mentor, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Since departing ER, Visnjic has co-starred in the 2009 CBS movie The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler.
He also recently starred alongside joined Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent and Christopher Plummer on indie drama Beginners.
In other US casting news, British actor Dougray Scott will join Molly Parker on new CBS drama Quinn-Tuplets.
The programme, which will follow the personal and professional lives of the Quinn quintuplets, will find Scott playing the documentary filmmaker who has chronicled the quints’ lives.
Tom Selleck set for CBS family cop drama · 3 days ago by
TOM Selleck is in final negotiations to play the lead role in a new family cop drama pilot for CBS.
The as-yet untitled project, which was formerly known as Reagan’s Law, is described as a multi-generational drama revolving around a family of New York cops, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Selleck would play Michael, the handsome and highly commended chief of police for the NYPD who lives in Brooklyn with his father, Patrick (played by Len Cariou).
Donnie Wahlberg has also signed on to play Michael’s son, Brian, who is also a detective.
For TV veteran Selleck, the role would mark the actor’s first regular series lead since his stint on Las Vegas during its final season.
Small Island is the toast of Royal Television Society Awards · 3 days ago by
BBC drama Small Island landed two of the top acting honours at the Royal Television Society Awards on Tuesday night (March 16, 2010), for stars Naomie Harris and David Oyelowo.
Harris beat Julie Walters, nominated for BBC One drama A Short Stay in Switzerland, and Suranne Jones, who starred in Unforgiven, to the best actress prize, while Oyelowo was named best actor for his work on the adaptation of Andrea Levy’s novel.
A delighted Harris immediately thanked her mother at the ceremony, describing her as her “accent coach”.
“Without her I don’t think [my character] Hortense would have been half as good as she was,” she said.
The ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London was hosted by Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon.
Comedian Harry Hill scooped the top prize of the night, beating Michael McIntyre and Ant and Dec to best entertainment performance for his TV Burp show on ITV1.
But the night belonged mostly to the BBC, which one 18 of the 25 main prizes up for grabs.
The corporation also took home the coveted best drama prize for its BBC1 drama The Street, created by Bafta-winning writer Jimmy McGovern and featuring an ensemble cast including Stephen Graham and Anna Friel. Ironically, the show was taken off air last year after its third series.
And soap favourite EastEnders pipped The Bill and Casualty in the soap and continuing drama category.
Acclaimed satire The Thick Of It took the best scripted comedy accolade, while BBC Four’s news review show Newswipe beat Simon Cowell’s two ITV1 shows Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor in the best entertainment section.
Louis Theroux was named best presenter for his BBC documentary A Place For Paedophiles, the provocative programme that featured interviews with convicted sex offenders in America.
And actress Miranda Hart won best comedy performance for her title role in BBC Two’s Miranda.
Of the other main winners, Heston Blumenthal triumphed in the features and lifestyle series category for his Channel 4 show Heston’s Feasts, which recreates Victorian recipes.
And Iain Morris and Damon Beesley won the award for comedy writing for E4’s The Inbetweeners.
Documentary film maker Norma Percy was presented with the Judges’ Prize, while Coronation Street creator Tony Warren was presented with the lifetime achievement award for his work on the long-running ITV soap, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this December.
American advertising drama Mad Men was recognised in the international section.
The Mentalist: Season 1 - Preview & competition · 5 days ago by
FOLLOW independent consultant Patrick Jane, as he embarks on a series of crime solving quests, in the critically acclaimed US drama The Mentalist, available on Monday, March 8 courtesy of Warner Home Video.
Patrick Jane played by Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker (Devil Wears Prada, The Guardian), who works with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation.
Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a former psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he faked. Jane’s role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly valued by his fellow agents.
However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon, played by Robin Tunney (Empire Records, Prison Break), openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane’s usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries.
Lisbon’s team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman) and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti), who all think Jane’s a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for solving cases.
Throughout the series Jane uses his mentalist skills to crack a number of complex murder cases including a wealthy banker who is found murdered inside his locked safe house, a school girl who’s body mysteriously washes up on the beach and even a crime where his former psychiatrist is the prime subject.
The series was created by Bruno Heller (Rome) with a pilot directed by Emmy® winner David Nutter (The Sopranos, Band of Brothers, The X-Files), and broadcast on FIVE earlier this year.
Win The Mentalist: Season 1 on DVD
To celebrate the release of The Mentalist: Season 1 on DVD on March 8, 2010, IndieLondon has teamed up with Warner Home Video to offer readers the chance to win 1 of 2 copies. Simply answer the following question…
Q. Who directed the pilot episode of The Mentalist?
Simply send the answer to Mentalist S1 competition and include your name, address, telephone number and email
Glee spoilers revealed at Paleyfest 2010 · 5 days ago by
THE cast and creative team of hit musical show Glee have been giving away some spoilers concerning what to expect as the show winds down its first season and prepares for a sophomore run.
Speaking from Paleyfest 2010 in America, series creator Ryan Murphy promised a second season episode featuring nothing but original music.
“We are going to do an episode in the second season with all original music,” he said, before adding that another episode towards the close of the first season would feature the music of Lady Gaga.
The episode in question will be devoted to “the power of theatricality”, according to Murphy, who added: “She’s arguably the most important pop star right now.”
One of the show’s star, Matthew Morrison (who plays Will), then revealed that he’ll be singing a second duet with guest star Neil Patrick Harris… “one is an Aerosmith song, the other is a Billy Joel song”.
While there will also be another forthcoming episode devoted to the music of Madonna – with 10 of the Material Girl’s songs set to feature in general – including a rendition of Vogue from Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch).
According to the report on The Hollywood Reporter’s website Jane Lynch also drew the most laughs from the cast appearance thanks largely to revelations concerning some of the things her character has said that could not be aired on US TV.
Two such gems from the acid-tongued cheerleading head include “Shut your mouth before I rape it” (which didn’t make the cut) and “I will kick you square in the vagina!” – which might yet still!
For more Glee spoilers, follow this link
Eastbound & Down: Season 1 - Review · 7 days ago by
HBO scored another comedy hit with Eastbound & Down, a rude, downbeat comedy that featured a fine central performance from Danny McBride.
Admittedly, the show was an acquired taste and frequently made for uncomfortable viewing – taking the cringe-inducing comedy style of landmark shows such as The Office and taking it to the next level.
But there were moments of genuine heart, too, which enabled it to remain a consistently surprising show.
McBride (of Tropic Thunder/Pineapple Express movie fame) stars as Kenny Powers, a guy who had it all at just 19 – the best pitcher in Major League Baseball, fans screaming his name and sponsorship deals to make David Beckham turn green with envy.
But two things got in the way: his fading fastball and his insufferable personality. After a spectacular career flame-out, Kenny goes home to Shelby County, NC and lands a job as a substitute gym teacher, where his high school sweetheart April Buchanon (Katy Mixon), provides a welcome distraction to his eclipsed star status.
Whilst crashing at his brother’s place, Kenny spends every waking moment cashing in the last of his dying fame and plotting his inevitable comeback.
As central characters go, Powers was a train-wreck. Conceited, arrogant, selfish, rude, ignorant and self-obsessed, he nevertheless remained an endearing presence thanks to McBride’s ability to pull back the curtain ever so slightly to show a good soul battling to get through.
Goodness seldom prevailed, of course, but as each of the six episodes progressed, there was a sustained sense of hope that Powers would pull it together and learn from past mistakes – a story arc that made the bittersweet ending all the more poignant and lasting.
And Powers was by no means the biggest baffoon on the block. Will Ferrell’s outrageous car salesman was a schumck in need of a comedown, that Powers eventually managed to provide in one of the show’s undoubted highlights, while his high school principal was another fool awaiting a fall.
Eastbound & Down certainly won’t appeal to every taste as its capacity to offend is high, while the humour is hit-and-miss and quite often mean-spirited (you’ll hate yourself for laughing at times). But if you’re a fan of the Will Ferrell-Adam McKay (Anchorman/Step Brothers) brand of comedy, and like the risque humour of shows like The Office, then this has plenty to admire.
McBride, meanwhile, emerges as a real star in waiting and a fearlessly self-depracating comedy talent to rival the likes of Gervais, Stiller and Ferrell.
Certificate: 18
Episodes: 6
UK DVD Release: March 15, 2010
Guy Pearce joins Kate Winslet's Mildred Pierce · 7 days ago by
GUY Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood and Melissa Leo have joined the cast of HBO’s Mildred Pierce with Kate Winslet.
The five-hour mini-series features Oscar winner Winslet as a Los Angeles-based Depression era mother struggling to earn her daughter’s love.
It’s based on the novel by James M. Cain, which has previously been turned into an Oscar-winning movie starring Joan Crawford.
Todd Haynes, who made the critically-acclaimed Far From Heaven, will write the script (along with Jon Raymond) and direct the drama.
Filming is due to begin next month in New York.
Pearce was most recently seen in the ensemble Oscar-winning war film The Hurt Locker, while Leo was nominated last year for Frozen River.
Between them, the trio lend extra weight to Mildred Pierce‘s already impressive TV credentials.
Eastbound & Down: Season 1 - Preview & competition · 9 days ago by
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Making of Eastbound & Down; Audio Commentaries; Deleted Scenes; Bloopers; Kenny Powers: Greatest Hits; Will Ferrell fake car commercials.
OUTRAGEOUS comedy character Kenny Powers is brought to life in HBO Home Entertainment’s hilarious new series Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season, released on DVD on March 15, 2010 following its successful broadcast on FX.
Smashing through the comedy league, HBO has done it again with this sensational new hit show from the production company of Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Step Brothers).
The series has met with widespread respect from critics with The Times saying ‘the script is beyond black’ and ‘slickly scabrous’ and The Guardian hailing it “the funniest sitcom there’s been in years”.
A spectacular all-star cast including Danny McBride (Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express), Andrew Daly (What Happens in Vegas), John Hawkes (Deadwood, 24), Katy Mixon (State of Play) and Ben Best (Land of the Lost), make Eastbound & Down a winner and an absolute must-own DVD.
The season kicks off with an introduction to Kenny Powers (McBride), the guy who had it all at just 19, the best pitcher in Major League Baseball, fans screaming his name and sponsorship deals to make David Beckham turn green with envy.
But two things got in the way: his fading fastball and his insufferable personality. After a spectacular career flame-out, Kenny goes home to Shelby County, NC and lands a job as a substitute gym teacher, where his high school sweetheart April Buchanon (Katy Mixon), provides a welcome distraction to his eclipsed star status.
Whilst crashing at his brother’s place, Kenny spends every waking moment since his fall cashing in the last of his dying fame plotting his inevitable comeback… one beer at a time.
Follow the hilarious trials of the mullet topped Powers, as he attempts to climb back up to the top of the league tables with the aid of his own hilarious self-help tapes.
Eastbound & Down was shot entirely on location in North Carolina and also includes guest appearances by Will Ferrell as a local car dealer with marvellous hair!
Packed with exclusive bonus material, the DVD includes unseen footage, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, the making of documentary and much more.
Win Eastbound & Down on DVD
To celebrate the release of Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season on DVD on March 15, 2010, IndieLondon has teamed up with HBO Home Entertainment to offer readers the chance to win 1 copy of the box set. Simply answer the following question…
Q. Who plays Kenny Powers’ sweetheart April Buchanon in Eastbound & Down?
Simply send the answer to Eastbound & Down competition and include your name, address, telephone number and email