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We were delighted to learn that Director Jonathan Newman has been longlisted by the HOSPITAL CLUB for the top 100 search for the authentic stars of Britain’s creative industries. Unlike other power lists, the nominations weren’t compiled using a coterie of establishment types, but through a democratic process of voting by industry peers. 40,000 votes were cast.
We are thrilled to learn that our film FATHER’S DAY, written and directed by Jonathan Newman and produced by our good friend Alice Dawson, won GRAND PRIZE in the JWT /FORD/ FILMAKA competition out of 500 entries.
Jonathan is pictured here in LA at the reveal show of the new 2010 mustang.
We are now in pre-production on some very big films for FORD and JWT to be released in 2009.
| FILMMAKER SPEEDS UP CAREER WITH FILMAKA, FORD MOTOR COMPETITION Jonathan Newman’s Winning Film |
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“All films that were submitted were excellent, but Jonathan’s compelling characters and direction captured our attention,” said Caroline Pernot, Ford car communications manager. “We are thrilled to have Jonathan direct another film for the 2010 Ford Mustang. Jonathan’s film and all the other great ‘Mustang Stories’ film will be featured at Ford’s display at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.”
Jonathan Newman will be a guest speaker at this year’s London Screenwriters’ Festival.
Jonathan was on last year’s panel and also moderated several sessions. The festival was a great success and this year has a fabulous line up of speakers including Duncan Kenworthy and Christopher Vogler. We strongly urge you to attend if you are around.
We are delighted that Foster has been invited to have its European Premiere at the Rome Film Festival on October 28, 2011.
Director Jonathan Newman will be attending along with some of the stars of the film. If you are in Rome be sure to book tickets!
Sam Neill, Michael Sheen, Lena Headey and Ioan Gruffud are in negotiations to topline “Mariah Mundi & the Midas Box.”Jonathan Newman (“Swinging With the Finkels”) will direct from a screenplay by Gavin Scott (“Small Soldiers”) and “Gnomeo & Juliet’s” Rob Sprackling and John Smith.
The Victorian London teen fantasy thriller is based on the first of a trilogy of novels by G.P. Taylor.
London’s Entertainment Motion Pictures, Barcelona’s Arcadia Motion Pictures and Belgium’s uMedia will produce. Six Sales is introducing “Mariah” to buyers in Berlin.
Entertainment Motion has optioned G.P. Taylor’s whole trilogy.
Described by Newman as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Willy Wonka,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “Harry Potter” all rolled into one, “Mariah” turns on a 15-year-old boy, Mariah Mundi, whose world is torn apart by the disappearance of his parents, then the kidnapping of younger brother by unknown assailants.
Aided by a Indiana Jones-ish adventurer, Captain Charity (Sheen), he sets off in pursuit, arriving at the Prince Regent, a hotel hiding a fantastical underworld.
Neill limns an arch villain, Headey his witch-seductress ally.Mundi has yet to be cast.
“Mariah Mundi” is budgeted at around $25 million, at the higher end for a European pic, but allowing it to go into production without a commitment from a U.S distributor, said Entertainment Motion’s Karl Richards, who produces with Arcadia’s Ibon Cormenzana. “Mariah Mundi” will begin lensing April 30 at the Bottle Yard studios in Bristol and on location in Bristol and Bath, Richards added.
Spanish financing mixes local film tax break coin and equity, Cormenzana added.
Further finance includes Belgian tax shelter money, a U.K. tax credit, pre-sales and Six Sales finance.
Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com
Foster (2011) film review: 90 minutes of captivating family drama
Posted by Rekha Sundarajan on Monday December 26, 2011
Maurice Cole and Toni Collette in the movie ‘Foster’. Photo courtesy: – SC Films
I know MF member Lily P has done a quick look at FOSTER, but since I have seen it too, I decided to do a more detailed review of the film that has been the talk of town here primarily because it has made headlines at film festivals across the globe. The strange thing is ‘Foster’ is already available at online video sites before it hits the theatres! Why is Reliance Big Pictures, one of the production house, not releasing the film during the Christmas season? It could have been a big hit with mothers, kids and also among the youth.
Anyways, the following is my take on a film that is probably going to the Oscars.
The film originally made for HBO and BBC has Ioan Gruffudd (star of Fantastic4: Rise of the Silver Surfer), Maurice Cole and Toni Collette (United States of Tarafame) as the main lead. A couple whose child has been killed in an accident decides to adopt a child after their doctor told them that they can no longer have a biological offspring. So, after much reluctance, they went to a foster home to pick their to0-be new child. However, this time instead of childless couples picking a child, the child picks them when one fine day a a boy unexpectedly arrives at the doorstep of the couple.What a relief! The first twist of the film takes centrestage in the viewer’s mind. It’s both scary and happy feeling not just for the childless couple. The first thing that came to my mind was: If this happens to me, will I take the child as my son? Will I be scared or should I gladly embrace him as my own child? I was at a cross-road. There are several interesting twists, but I’ll save it for you to watch in the theatre.The cast is also exceptionally cool. The three main actors share an onscreen chemistry that is not seen in many movies. It reminds me of the onscreen chemistry Julia Andrews and the kids shared in ‘The Sound of Music’.
Maurice Cole, the new star, is so cute you will want a son like him. Even though this being his first film he carried off the adult-matured look with elegance. His mother must be really proud of him. He could be the next Macaulay Culkin (of Home Alone fame) in the making… if the filmmakers decide to en-cash on the brand ‘Foster’ with more editions. I’m sure he has already been offered other roles by production houses.
And, when it comes to Ioan and Toni, they prove their worth again. Both of them being international stars, it was only natural for the two to deliver quality performances. Toni has contributed a lot to this film and I won’t be surprise if she gets a ton of awards.
Ok, enough of my rantings. I’ll put it short this way. Even my husband, who writes film reviews for a newspaper, loves this film so much so that he can’t keep repeating some of the dialogues! Foster may be a film made for the heart, but it is an Oscar stuff. The audience is going to love this family drama that does not have an inch of melodrama.
Cast:-Toni Collette as Zooey, Ioan Gruffudd as Alec, Maurice Cole as El
Director: Jonathan Newman
Another random and lovely review that just came to my attention. Reposted from MOTHER’S FORUM
“Foster is a mainstream Hollywood movie focusing on power of faith. It was relieving to see this movie at a time when majority of English movies talk ‘shit’ of religion.
At first, I thought it had nothing to do with Christmas and was expecting a merely entertaining film.
However, the movie is simply amazing from all angles. From the plot to the theme, the filmmakers have done a brilliant job.
The film is about a childless couple who are looking to adopt a child from an agency…and one fine day a 7 year old boy unexpectedly shows up on their doorstep.
Soon, the boy begins to cast a angelic spells into the couple’s lives.
Inspiring and thrillingly entertaining, I would rate Foster 4 out of 5.
Director:Jonathan Newman
Stars: Maurice Cole, Toni Collette and Ioan Gruffudd
Our own superstar and Foster actor Maurice Cole will be in the Dr Who Xmas special on Xmas day.
Well done Maurice. All this and you’re not even 10 yet!
You are a superstar and we love you.
As Foster begins to find its audience, the positive reviews keep coming in.
These two are reprinted from IMDB.com
made my eyes tear, 22 December 2011
Author: awab_avril from United States
See, I think of my self as a tough guy who only watches horror movies. However I loved every part of this film, it will be one of those unforgettable movies. Also I am used to getting bored in the middle of the movie but this one kept grabbing my attention. The movie is about a family who is not able to have a child and their life marriage was beginning to fall apart. Acting was awesome, the plot was awesome and so was every part of this film, at the end it made my eyes tear. I don’t really wanna say anything else about the movie so you can enjoy every part of it and be surprised with the events that happen in it. Maybe I am not very familiar wit this genre of movies but I think that the ideas were original and that was what made me like it. Maybe the idea of the box wasn’t that brilliant but it was original and very realistic. Oh yea, speaking of realistic, the movie does not seem to be 100% real but it makes you think that it is.
A well made film with a good story & a lot of warmth, 20 December 2011
Author: roshantulsyani from Canada
The story centres around a couple who apply for a foster adoption. However, the very next morning after their application, a seven year old boy comes up to their doorstep, all dressed up in a suit, tie and top hat, with all the legal documents in hand. This is an extremely interesting idea and the film does justice to this innovative premise.The scenes in the film following the strange arrival of the child are worth watching. The way the couple reacts and adjusts to this unique child is both heartwarming and humorous. Truly wonderful.
Newman’s simple and well plotted narrative, his effective screenplay and the talented mix of actors (its got Toni Collette) all come together to tell this interesting tale. Come and watch the story unfold.
Mood: Comfort Movie with a good serving of wonder and warmth
Found this lovely review after our screening in Rome:
Here are some highlights in English:
“Without being a sentimental tearjerker, Jonathan Newman’s film is a contemporary Christmas fairy tale that should make Italians distributions race to secure it.”
” The film understands its revelations and has an internal sense of taste and timing, turning only very slowly towards the supernatural itself, after having dug a solid foundation in the realism of the family in the conventional sense…
“More than a portrait of the charming and funny little big man, who is set forth to bring about the happiness of others before his own, Foster is surprisingly well-written and addresses some of the big questions in a most delicate way, such as the issue of death, especially when it concerns a child . Without lecturing the audience, but also without avoiding the topic, as is often the case, the film answers the questions it stages, giving the audience the certainties of childhood in the room it needs to go out in anguish.|
“A good story with does of realism and fantasy, answering the questions it stages.”
http://www.mymovies.it/film/2011/foster/
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Una favola che dosa bene realismo e fantasia, rispondendo alle domande che mette in scena
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Marianna Cappi ***
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 Zooey e Alec Morrisono sono una coppia sposata che non riesce a superare la perdita del figlio di cinque anni, avvenuta due anni prima. Non riuscendo a concepire altri bambini, dopo una breve visita in un’agenzia deputata, i Morrison si rendono disponibili per un affidamento. Ed ecco che, poco dopo, appare alla loro porta un bambino di sette anni, Eli, che dice di essere stato mandato dall’agenzia. Il ragazzino mostra una maturità inaspettata, aiuta Alec a superare le difficoltà di lavoro e Zooey a sentirsi di nuovo mamma e felice. Quasi fossero più i Morrison ad aver bisogno di lui che non Eli ad aver davvero bisogno di loro… |
London, UK, Sydney, Australia (PRWEB) 10 November, 2011 – - It is the latest craze, and celebrities like Madonna and Rihanna have been queuing up to drink it. In case you have had your head buried in the ground, we’re talking about coconut water. Joining this fast growing category in both the UK and Australia is newcomer CHI (which means Life Force). Packed in both 330ml and 1 litre tetra packs, Chi is 100% pure and natural with no added ingredients, no added sugar, is fat free and low calorie. The health benefits of coconut water are numerous. It hydrates the body quicker than water due to the high ‘electrolyte content’, making it a favourite drink for athletes, yoga practitioners and slimmers alike. Even celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow use coconut water to aid in slimming as part of a calorie controlled diet.
Chi Coconut Water is the brainchild of entrepreneur Jonathan Newman. “I became passionate about coconut water when I was in Thailand on honeymoon, and used to drink five or six raw coconuts a day. I noticed how good I felt, how my fatigue and blurry eyes got better, and of course how tasty it was,” commented Newman. “When I got back to the UK I started looking at packaged coconut juice drinks, just as a consumer. I couldn’t find one that I particularly liked. Most of the big American brands used Brazilian coconuts, which taste quite bitter. They all seemed to have a bit of an aftertaste. Yet people just drank it because of the nutritional benefits, even though they didn’t necessary like it. I just thought there is room to do so much better.”
After raising the initial seed capital necessary to finance the development, Newman headed back to Thailand with co-founder David Mendelsohn. Together, they drove around the country visiting plantations, meeting farmers, and buying coconut water from streets in every region. “There, on a little street in the middle of nowhere, we found the sweetest coconut water we have ever tasted,” comments Mendelsohn. “It was fantastic. We quickly went and met the owners of the plantation, and felt certain we had a product that differentiated itself from every other coconut water on the market.”
With big players like Vita Coco, Zico and One accounting for most of the US market share, Chi Coconut Water is already making inroads into the market. “I feel confident we have a unique proposition,” says Newman. “We excel in taste, packaging and nutritional content. Our 330ml is currently the only tetrapak on the market to feature the new Dreamcap opening. People want premium quality at an affordable price and that’s what Chi offers.”
With stunning packaging and a naturally sweeter taste, Chi Coconut Water is taking the market by storm and already boasts an impressive following, with celebs such as Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four, The Ringer) and wife Alice Evans (Vampire Diaries) counting themselves as hardcore fans. “As keen yoga enthusiasts, Chi Coconut Water is just what we need to rehydrate and balance our bodies quickly.” Comments Gruffudd.
It seems coconut juice drinks hit a chord with athletes and celebs alike who lead active lifestyles. Tennis player John Isner drinks coconut water during his tennis matches for the high potassium count (double that of a banana). Other celeb fans of CHI Coconut Water include cult film star Jonathan Silverman (Weekend At Bernies) and wife Jennifer Finnigan (Better With You). “I’ve tried every coconut water on the market, and trust me, I’m fussy. Chi is by far the best we’ve had.” comments Silverman and his wife.
Launching simultaneously in Australia as well as the UK, Aussie beauty Melissa George (In Treatment, Triangle) comments, “I love it, love it, love it. I lead a hectic lifestyle and Chi is perfect as the natural boost I need. Plus it’s tasty, fat free and low calorie. What more could you ask for?” Melissa, who first made her name in Home & Away (and who can forget the ‘Hot Nanny’ in friends) is making waves across the globe for her riveting performances.
“Coconut water really is nature’s miracle fruit,” comments Newman. “Research suggests that cytokinins in coco water showed significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic and anti-thrombosis effects. The enzymes aid in digestions and help promote a healthy metabolism. It’s even known to help eradicate eczema.”
“Not to be confused with coconut milk, which is made from pressing the meat of the coconut, Coconut Water is the clear sterile liquid found inside the coconut,” says Mendelsohn. “It’s sterile quality makes it ideal as an alternative to inject intravenously where medical saline is unavailable in developing countries.”
If that’s not enough, Chi has also partnered with the charity “One Seed, One Life”. A portion of every pack sale goes to helping children in the most dilapidated orphanages throughout Thailand. “Having personally visited these orphanages, it’s a wonderful opportunity for our company to help children that have no home, no family and are born into poverty,” comments Mendelsohn. “It is something we believe in quite passionately.”
For more information or Press Enquiries contact:
Chi Drinks Ltd
www.chidrinks.co
mail@chidrinks.co
Westbourne Studios
242 Acklam Road
London W10 5JJ
Tel: 0845 519 8806
This first review of Foster just in from Italian Cinema Magazine Persinsala:
“We started with Foster, a sweet and very moving comedy with a happy ending. Well-played by Toni Collette and Ioan Gruffudd, but especially by the young star Maurice Cole, caught in the shoes of a child – incredibly mature for his age. Young Eli (Cole) is sent to restore harmony to a couple in crisis after the death of their firstborn.
It plays with poignant themes and is shot cleanly and precisely. Foster (directed and written by Jonathan Newman) is a sweet urban fairy tale set in a London which is both light and suspended in time, amongst gardens and small residential streets so cared for as to seem enchanted . After all, this appearance is precisely the stylistic hallmark that distinguishes the film and that makes it particularly pleasurable.”
Our film FOSTER screened today to a packed audience of 300 people (mainly children) at the Rome Film Festival.
It was a fabulous reception as director Jonathan Newman and star Maurice Cole walked the red carpet beforehand.
To say the film was well received would be an understatement as children came out having been moved to tears. Jonathan and Maurice did a q & a for the audience before Maurice was swamped by the crowd who were intent on getting a photo and autograph.
Pictures here.
First reviews are in, and Foster is a hit. This one is in Italian, but trust us… it’s good!
