ACCESSiMEDIA

Scaffolding Down

2014-06-27T01:41:00.003+01:00

Passersby look on in horror after a scaffolding collapses onto Islington Park Street, North London earlier today. One eye witness said; Its remarkably that no one was hurt, because it had only narrowly missed a car carrying a young child moments before it came crashing down. 26 June 2014

Red or Black?

2011-09-04T13:06:00.003+01:00

Bricklayer Nathan Hageman emerged sensationally last night to take the top prize in Simon Cowell’s new entertainment show Red or Black?

The 31 year old looked to be in complete shock as he corrected predicted red would be the winning colour of his game, saying ‘is this for real’ as he was being congratulated by presenters Ant and Dick, and family.

The lucky winner beat 1,000 other constants in this new prime time TV show to pair off in the final against 2009 Big Brother contestant Angel MacKenzie.

The show, which saw Leona Lewis performed, is a big risk for Mr. Cowell, and is rumoured to be one of the most expensive productions to date. Leaving some to wonder if by having a winner on the first show will ensure more viewers for the remaining shows.

Red or Black? Continues tonight on ITV1 at 18.45

Remaining shows:
5 September, 20:00-21:00
7 September, 20:00-21:00
8 September, 20:00-21:00
9 September, 20:00-21:00
10 September, 19:00-20:00

(Red or Black? ITV1)

Sky announces increased support for Britain’s creative industries

2011-06-09T13:49:00.000+01:00

In a move similar to Channel 4, Sky announces this week that it intends to contribute more in the development of British productions. I think this is a move in the right direction for the satellite broadcasting giant. Who have had a lot of success with titles such as ‘Mad Dogs’ and ‘Flying Monsters 3D'.

Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch says “Sky has announced plans to significantly increase its support for Britain's creative industries as it continues to broaden the range of programmes enjoyed by customers. Speaking at an event organised by the leading independent think tank, Reform, Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch said the company intended to increase further its investment in commissioning and producing home-grown programmes. This announcement follows on from recent on-screen successes such as dramas Mad Dogs and Thorne, the BAFTA-winning factual documentary Flying Monsters 3D , comedies such as Little Crackers and arts programming such as Lucrezia Borgia , the world's first live opera in 3D, and In Confidence.

Reflecting its increasing focus on high-quality British commissions across drama, comedy, factual, entertainment and the arts, Sky now spends £380 million a year on the origination and production of British programming, making it one of the largest investors in UK content. This figure includes investment by Sky in commissioning programmes from the UK's independent production sector as well as Sky's own in-house productions in arts, entertainment, news and sport. It excludes investment in sports rights, overseas programme acquisitions and partner channels.” (Source: Sky press release)

Bafta TV Awards

2011-05-23T11:05:00.002+01:00

Sherlock has taken two prizes at the Bafta TV Awards ceremony in London, including best drama series.

Martin Freeman, who plays Watson in the latest screen version of the stories, was named best supporting actor.

But star Benedict Cumberbatch and Doctor Who's Matt Smith were beaten to best actor by Daniel Rigby for his portrayal of a young Eric Morecambe.

The audience award, chosen by the public, was won by ITV2 reality show The Only Way Is Essex.

The programme saw off five other nominees including Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Channel 4 hit My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. ‘Source BBC News’

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2011 Bafta TV Awards. Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was ITV2 reality show The Only Way Is Essex winning the audience award over formable contenders Downton Abbey, The Killing, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Sherlock and Miranda, something no one would have guessed.

Other notable winners were Any Human Heart for best drama serial. Best continuing drama went to Eastenders and best factual series was ‘Welcome to Lagos’.

Flying Monsters 3D won the best specialist factual award over Alan Bennett and the Habit of Art (The Making Of), Human Planet and Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town. In the documentary category, Between Life and Death came up trump over The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan, Pink Saris and Scenes From a Teenage Killing.

For me another surprise of the evening was Hugh’s Fish Fight winning over Come Dine With Me in the features category.

Zimbawe’s Forgotten Children, deservingly won the current affairs award over Kids in Care, Lost Girls of South Africa and Secret Iraq. It was a good night for Formula One as well, as the Formula 1 – The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix beat of rivals 6 Nations – England v Wales, FA Cup Final: Chelsea v Portsmouth and Wimbledon 2010 for the top spot.

Continuing with surprises, The Cube saw off The X Factor to win the best entertainment programme. Other nominees in that category, were The Graham Norton Show and Have I got News For You.

Glee to exit from E4 and Channel 4

2011-05-17T18:44:00.000+01:00

Glee fans will no longer be able to see the TV show on digital channel E4 after parent company Channel 4 walked away from negotiations for the next series.

Sky is expected to be the show's likely destination after reportedly offering more than double the amount Channel 4 paid for its first two seasons.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears are among those to have appeared on the US hit about a high school singing troupe.

Channel 4 said it would free up "huge amounts" by not renewing its Glee deal.

A spokesman said the money would go on "home-grown programming, British talent and... continuing to discover and showcase what the US has to offer".

The broadcaster was "particularly thrilled" to have secured the rights to the US version of Danish crime drama The Killing. ‘Source BBC News’

I for one am pleased to hear that Channel 4 are going to concentrate more on home grown talents rather than investing in expensive American imports. That is not to say, that programme’s such as Glee does not have a place on British networks or indeed Channel 4.

I simply think that Channel 4 has been slow in picking up good British formats and have being lagging behind the BBC and ITV in respect of snapping up some world class British productions.

This will be an opportunity for Channel 4 to show how exciting of a channel they can become and I am very much looking forward to it.

‘Deal or No Deal’

2011-05-17T17:21:00.001+01:00

17 May 2011 Channel 4 16:00 – 17:00

“Can you believe that?” Those were the words of Ron after wiping the £250, 000 off the board, becoming one of only three players in the history or Deal or No Deal to take out the big three numbers in a row.

But it was not all doom and gloom as he tried a bit of psychology on the banker, to get him to raise his £5,500 offer, near the end, for the box. The banker instead, offered him the swap, which he declined; to emerge with £15, 000 in his box. Just loving it!

‘Deal or No Deal’ Presenter: Noel Edmonds

'Don’t Say a Word’

2011-05-15T22:23:00.003+01:00

15 May 2011 Film 4 21:00 – 23:10

This film would have worked much better if was written as a suspense drama oppose to a suspense thriller. It certainly would have made the story line and plot less fragmented and we would have gotten a lot more from vast class of actors. Whose talents, I think was somewhat wasted over the two hours of this film.

Brittany Murphy and Sean Bean provided the only credible performance throughout the film. While Michael Douglas is every bit the same as he is in so many of his films (i.e. The Game, Basic Instincts etc). ‘Don’t Say a Word’ Starring: Michael Douglas, Sean Bean, Brittany Murphy, Jennifer Esposito, Famke Janssen and Oliver Platt. ‘Watch Trailer’

‘Wendy and Lucy’

2011-05-15T04:16:00.005+01:00

15 May 2011 Film 4 02:200 – 04:00

A simple multicast drama about a girl driving to Alaska with her dog Lucy to find work but breaks down on the way near a store in a small town.

Although she has over $500.00 on her, she is caught shoplifting pet food from the store and is arrested. As she is being driven away she remembers Lucy is still tied up outside the store and pleads with the arresting officer to stop, who completely ignores her.

Several hours past before is released from jail after paying a fine. But as she returns to the store, she discovers Lucy is missing. She begins a frantic search for Lucy and into her own life.

This is a well pace drama that is easy for viewers to get into, never asking too much from its audience, but has you constantly following her every emotions and wondering if she will ever find Lucy again. ‘Wendy and Lucy’ Starring: Michelle Williams and Wally Dalton.‘Watch Trailer’

‘Eurovision Song Contest 2011’

2011-05-14T23:29:00.003+01:00

14 May 2011 BBC 1hd 20:00 – 23:15

On the backdrop of another huge production, this was easily one of the best Eurovision in modern times. Congratulations to Azerbaijan on a very good performance.

Interestingly, Italy crept into second place ahead of Sweden who looked at one point as the favourites to take the top spot.

Britain’s best hope of winning came in the form boy band Blue, who put on one of the best UK performance in years, finishing in 11th place behind Irelands Jedward who finished in 8th place.
‘Eurovision Song Contest 2011’

‘Along Came a Spider’

2011-05-13T23:57:00.003+01:00

13 May 2011 21:00 - 23:00 Film 4

Enthralling; compelling, suspenseful drama, with some wonderful directional elements from Lee Tamahori.

In this James Patterson epic novel; Morgan Freeman is Alex Cross, who must save the daughter of a Senator from a satirical kidnapper.

After losing his partner in an undercover sting, Cross is reluctant to team up with Flannigan. A Secret Service Agent hired to protect the missing girl at school.

The pair is left with little clues as to the whereabouts of the missing school girl. They eventually get an opportunity to stop the kidnapper but fail.

Ridden with guilt from not having taken a shot at the kidnapper during the unexpected encounter, Cross tells Flannigan ‘you do what you are’. ‘Along Came a Spider’ Starring: Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott, Dylan Baker and Mika Boorem. ‘Watch Trailer’

'Britain’s Best Dish’

2011-05-13T18:48:00.001+01:00

13 May 2011 17::00 - 18:00 ITV 1hd

Beautiful presented starters. Diane’s main looks very tasty and the puddings look delicious also, congratulations to the winners. 'Britain’s Best Dish’ Mary Nightingale, Jilly Goolden, Ed Baines and John Burton Race.

‘Deal or No Deal’

2011-05-13T17:35:00.002+01:00

13 May 2011 16:00 - 17:00 Channel 4hd

A big congratulations to Susanne, she played a very brave game and emerged against all odds to land the top prize. I was certain she was going to deal at £165,000, how wrong I was. It is perhaps what I would have done. How about you? ‘Deal or No Deal’ Presenter: Noel Edmonds.

‘Hush (2008)’

2011-05-12T22:45:00.002+01:00

12 May 2011 21:00 – 22:45 Film 4

A young man who has being living his life like a shut truck, must now go beyond himself to find his missing girlfriend who he fears has been abducted by a mysterious hooded truck driver, in this dark British drama.

The movie shares some similarity to Spielberg’s ‘Duel’ and Michael Myers character, but if only it was as terrifying.

First time director Mark Tonderai does a good job visually, but falls short in spectrum, as the plot fails to keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats.

William Ash plays a trying author who moonlights by putting up posters in men’s washrooms, in highway service stations. Christine Bottomley plays Ash’s girlfriend Beth.

The couple are driving along a dark wet motorway when Zakes (Ash) narrowly avoids an accident with a white truck while Beth sleeps in the passenger seat. As the truck roars swaying by, the back shutter swiftly rises and closes, but not before revealing the figure of what looks like a naked woman screaming frantically behind the caging of the truck back door.

Unable to comprehend what he thinks he saw, Zakes wakes Beth. She insists they call the police as they trail the truck. But Zakes has one last poster to put up and breaks away turning into a service station.

He and Beth argue, as he tells her it is a matter for the police. But soon finds himself chasing the truck again, when he unable to find Beth. ‘Hush (2008)’

‘The Shadow Line: Episode Two’

2011-05-12T22:16:00.001+01:00

12 May 2011 BBC2 21:00 – 22:00

It is very common for a new series to begin with captivating plots and storyline to ensure audiences will tune in for the remaining episodes. But that did not quite happened with this new drama series from the BBC.

Instead, they used some creative cinematic visuals to thrall through the characters and the story plots, with moments of shock- attacks. This was of course to say, you will want to tune in for the next episode. How right they were too.

This intense and electrifying episode truly keeps you planted on the sofa, or wherever you are watching it from.

It draws audiences, into a rich cocktail of suspense and drama, on a budget far less than an average Hollywood feature. For example, if you thought the Matrix was just a made believe world, think again and take a look at the park chase scene onto the underground station.

Borrowing from the office scene where Morpheus directs Neo on the phone, from the agents who are looking for him. Hugo Blick (director) successfully carries it off with Gatehouse, as he directs Andy Dixon’s every move out of the park, away from the agents tracking him and Jay Wratten. Well worth the watch. ‘The Shadow Line: Episode Two’

‘Britain’s Best Dish’

2011-05-12T18:23:00.004+01:00

12 May 2011 17:00 – 18:00 ITV 1hd

Dishes were minimal and not as exciting as others days, but well done to the winners for making it through to Friday’s regional heat. It seems the more you tell the judges you love them, the more likely you are to get through; contestants take note. ‘Britain’s Best Dish’ Mary Nightingale, Jilly Goolden, Ed Baines and John Burton Race.

‘Deal or No Deal’

2011-05-12T17:07:00.002+01:00

12 May 2011 16:00 – 17:00 Channel 4hd

What a game Kerry played today, winning £9000 to avoid becoming a member of the 50p club and taking out the £75000 at the right moment. A real banker spanking on his birthday, Lol.‘Deal or No Deal’ Presenter: Noel Edmonds.

‘Thor’

2011-05-10T17:56:00.002+01:00

10 May 2011 (2011) Running Time: 114 minutes

Overall it was fairly well directed and entertaining in parts. However for a film that has spent so much time in development, it lacked in detail, plot and connection with the audience.

I think Portman was greatly under used here, in this heroic action film. Rene Russo almost went unnoticed, with only Hopkins and Hiddleston to prevent the whole entire thing collapsing. One can already image what the next instalment will be like. Wait for the DVD/ Blu Ray. ‘Thor’

‘Deal or No Deal’

2011-05-10T17:41:00.001+01:00

10 May 2011 16:00 – 17:00 Channel 4hd

Poor Abbey, it just wasn’t her game to be today. She showed good spirit though and kept it real – what a girl. ‘Deal or No Deal’ Presenter: Noel Edmonds.

‘The Event’

2011-05-10T00:57:00.001+01:00

10 May 2011 12:00 - 00:55 Channel 4hd

Another gripping episode from this fantastical drama series, Sophia is as cool and determine as always, as she delivers another compelling performance. ‘The Event’

‘Kiss the Girls’

2011-05-09T23:38:00.005+01:00

9 May 2011 Film 4 21:00 -23:15

Morgan Freeman plays Washington DC detective Dr. Alex Cross in this much dialogued film where none dialogued scenes are replaced by quick edits. I find Cross’s internal narratives very moving at times.

Green is a very prominent colour in this movie, as so is blue. The colours typically symbolise life, with more references to the fact, when we see a tank of fishes and a paper shaped mobile of birds in Dr. Kate McTiernan’s bedroom.

I found however, Ashley Judd (McTieran’s) performance was unbelievable contrasting, in consistency. One moment she is a strong authoritative figure and then she is vulnerable almost helpless female in situations where she needed to show her strength.

Nevertheless, there are some wonderful aspects of cinematography and lighting in this James Patterson thriller, which makes it watchable. ‘Kiss the Girls’

‘The Death of Bin Laden’

2011-05-09T21:31:00.003+01:00

9 May 2011 BBC1 20:30 – 21:00

Nice detail images around the compound and some very nice edits too. Well researched and did a good job to get some much information is such a short period.

The rich and dynamic images are perhaps the main narratives. However, there were no new details in this documentary, most of the information, we already knew. ‘The Death of Bin Laden’

'Business Nightmares'

2011-05-09T21:08:00.002+01:00

9 May 2011 BBC2 20:00 – 21:00

Lacks imagination, some aspects was informative, but it would have been better if all aspects was informative and less of a reality/ tabloid show. ‘Business Nightmares’

‘Atlantis: The Evidence’

2011-05-09T20:48:00.004+01:00

9 May 2011 BBC2 19:00 – 20:00

I love Brittany Hughes beautiful authoritative tones. There are some wonderful edits in this documentary, in search of the missing links between Plato’s tale of Atlantis and what science is telling us today, although, be it a little too sharp at times.

Brittany’s uncontrollable excitement is almost contagious and highly visible, particularly when she visits one of the spots Plato would have written some of his works.

With some breathtaking aerial shots and underwater captions. The creativity team have put together something rather special which works well with the archive images.

However, I did find some elements of the mix of mythology and realism, had some contrasting characteristics and were fragmented. For that, the whole project did not come across as well as it could have, had it been done differently.‘Atlantis: The Evidence’

'Britain’s Best Dish'

2011-05-09T18:00:00.005+01:00

9 May 2011 ITV1 17:00 – 18:00

Jilly hair looked like she is mimicking Nick’s. Poor Nick didn’t woo the judges. Either did Caroline, both mains was as disappointing as their presentations. Love the starters. Clean sweep on the starters for Rachel. ‘Britain’s Best Dish’ Mary Nightingale, Jilly Goolden, Ed Baines and John Burton Race.

‘Atlantis: End of a World, Birth of a Legend’

2011-05-08T22:02:00.005+01:00

8 May 2011 21:00 – 22:00 BBC 1

Perhaps the most expensive television docudrama to date; Atlantis: End of a World, Birth of a Legend, makes the most of Hollywood latest technologies. Bringing Plato’s fantasy tale ‘Atlantis’ fused with scientific research, to the mass audiences.

This epic digital masterpiece attempts to engage audiences with a different prospective of what may have happened to a lost civilisation on the island of Thera, home to Minoans during the bronze age of 1620 BC.

This is an exquisite content rich drama, with some very beautiful detail costume’s, that seamlessly combines authentic footages with CGI imagining to produce a drama like film that could have easily been made into a full-length feature.

The aerial shots, cloud ash scenes and the wonderful dance sequence leading up to the bull sacrifice. Were just some of the triumphal elements, director Tony Mitchell was able to incorporate in this highly complicated cinematic achievement.

Much less desired however, is the often confusing facts with fiction and contrasting inconsistent accents.

The over use of CGI obviously constrained the budget, which meant the production could only be 60 minutes in length. As a result, it finishes too quickly and gives us little time to develop any real relationships with the cast and some of the evidence. Which is a bit of a shame, because some of the narratives were lost during the focus on imagery, of what could otherwise have been a very compelling drama.

Tom Conti narration did not work for me either; for me he was one of the weaker elements. While I believe initially he was a credible choice for this docudrama. He fell short at times, to deliver an inspiring and compelling narrative that would have kept me convinced all the way through. Such as the likes of, Brittany Hughes or Sir David Attenborough would have done.

Nevertheless, what we have is a cutting edge docudramas and a credible sample of what is possible in the future. ‘Atlantis: End of a World, Birth of a Legend’