The Dream Is Alive…
Indian Space Dreams is a Broadcast 'Hot Pick' at MIP. Directed by Sue Sudbury at Sequoia Films with Richard Melman Producing and André Singer Exec Producing for Spring.
"Indian Space Dreams hits Mipcom as demand booms for stories about the Asian super-state, which is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country, according to UN projections. India is emerging as a global economic force and with that has come its entry into the space race.
The documentary, which is part science story and part cultural and social observation, follows a team of scientists in Mumbai as they prepare to launch the country’s first astronomical satellite. Their mission began in 2001, and the doc follows them over the final six years of the project up to launch.
TVF International (TVFI) head of acquisitions Will Stapley says it is the first time a film crew has gained access to an Indian space mission – a key selling point for buyers to consider."
https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/international/indian-space-dreams/5143619.article
Nashville turns Coolio
Cool Daddio: The Second Youth of R. Stevie Moore' is a tragi-comic musical odyssey to discover underground music icon R. Stevie Moore, a man who recorded over 400 albums…. in his bedroom. Now in his 60s, R. Stevie Moore is finally receiving worldwide recognition and growing cult following. As he embarks on his first global tour, is it all too much, or too late?
Cool Daddio was a major hit at the 50th Anniversary Nashville Film Festival, attended by the man himself Mr R. Stevie Moore, the directors Imogen Putler and Monika Baran and Spring's Producer Figs Jackman.
https://www.facebook.com/cooldaddiorsmfilm/
Coming To A Screen Near You!
Werner Herzog and Andre Singer’s Mikhail Gorbachev film is inked in for a November cinema release.
Arriving in cinemas on November 8th is the new film from Werner Herzog, made with Andre Singer. And it involves a chat with a rather famous politician.
No point keeping the suspense going, as you’ve guessed who it is from the title. But Meeting Gorbachev sees Herzog and Singer conducting three long interviews with the former Russian leader.
The film’s already earned rich acclaim from its US release earlier this year.
https://www.filmstories.co.uk/news/mikhail-gorbachev-hits-uk-cinemas-in-november/
Meeting Gorbachev
Spring and Werner Herzog Film's 'Meeting Gorbachev' has a US Television premier on October the 12th on History 6 pm to 8 pm EST.
PRISON Grierson Nomination
Spring is delighted to announce that PRISON has been nominated for this years Grierson Trust Awards. Congratulations to Paddy and team.
The awards are on the 14th of November.
https://griersontrust.org/grierson-awards/the-grierson-awards/nominations/
Bolton Film Festival
Our MD will be speaking at this years Bolton Film Festival on October the 1st.
"Bolton Film Festival returns to the Light Cinema on 1st/2nd/3rd October 2019 - a nine screen cinema housed within an amazing listed Victorian market building in the centre of the town.
We're screening innovative and groundbreaking short films from independent film-makers. Whether it’s drama, documentary, animation, comedy or experimental film our aim is to showcase emerging talent to an audience of like-minded individuals and industry experts."
Word on the street (at least on Richard's street!) is that tickets are selling fast so we recommend that you book now to avoid disappointment...
https://www.boltonfilmfestival.com/tues-1st-talks
Meeting Gorbachev in the Top 10
On the iTunes Movies US Charts – Independent - Meeting Gorbachev has rocketed in at number 9. Not bad for week 2!
https://wtop.com/national/2019/08/the-top-10-movies-on-the-itunes-store-16/
And if you'd like to buy it to download in the UK check out kaleidescape
La masterclass de producción
Figs Jackman is spending this week @docmontevideo in Uruguay.
DocMontevideo has established itself as the meeting place for television and documentary filmmakers in Latin America. Year after year, it receives an increasing number of independent producers, students, television representatives, decision-makers, speakers and audiovisual professionals.
Figs helped kick off the week by presenting a masterclass on international production.
The Grierson Awards
Spring's 'Prison' series for Channel 4 directed by Paddy Wivell, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Grierson Awards 2019. Nominations will be announced on the 19th of September.
https://griersontrust.org/grierson-awards/the-grierson-awards/
Now That’s Cool Daddio!
We are delighted to announce that 'Cool Daddio', directed by Imogen Putler and Monika Baran and produced by Figs Jackman, has been selected for the Nashville Film Festival in October this year.
And not only that but it is also playing at the Melbourne Film Festival on the 3rd and 17th of August.
"Featuring ultra-rare footage, music, and cheers from superfans Ariel Pink, MGMT, Mac DeMarco and more, Cool Daddio cements Moore’s legacy as one of the weirdest and best."
“R. Stevie Moore may well be the most talented, interesting pop musician never to have released a record on a major label.” – Pitchfork""
So if you are down under next month, book now for the coolest ticket in town.
Beijing or Bust…
André and the team have been in Beijing for the last week developing and researching a new project for later in the year. A combination of hard work and Maotai has produced some excellent results. Watch this space for further news.
Changing Minds
This week, Kathy Myers and Richard Melman were invited to the Royal College of Psychiatrists to address the Prison Mental Health Services Annual Forum about the challenges of filming mental health issues and stories in prison.
They recognised that many Mental Health professionals were wary or unwilling to allow documentary filming and explained the protocols used and the care taken in ensuring that the participants were willing to participate and had the capacity to agree.
Both Kathy and Richard were proud that the final film was able to show a small part of the amazing work of the Mental Health team in Durham. Some of whom were in attendance at the Forum.