News

Hammer and gongs!

22.05.2014

Sean Harris has won the 2014 BAFTA Award for Best Leading Actor! Enough exclamations already. We always dreamed he'd get his hands on one of those gold faces. Sean's journey from 'Fast Eddie' in SAXON – his first ever lead role – has been quietly triumphant: See No Evil, Red Riding, Harry Brown, Prometheus, The Borgias and Southcliffe. The body count has been rather high, there’s been a lot of blood spilt, and... yes, it’s been worth it. He is an actor of rare talent and intensity. Now's the time to have 92 minutes of Sean Harris all to yourself... You can stream SAXON via iTunes You can rent SAXON via distributors Peccadillo See Sean accept (and re-arrange) his BAFTA Watch the behind-the-scenes BAFTA interview here

Promethean

18.07.2012

As fans of SAXON will know, Ridley Scott's new movie Prometheus features Sean Harris in the uncannily-Eddie-like role of Fifield. Back at the ranch, we're guessing that Scott viewed SAXON and directed Sean to be just like Eddie, only in outer space. (The original pitch for ALIEN was "it's just like JAWS, only in outer space.") Either that, or our Sean felt nostalgic for his heady days of grim emotion and bodily injury in the earthly realm of SAXON. He does look great disfigured and destroyed. And, just when you thought it was safe to go into mourning, he comes back again. He never quite dies. Prometheus is strangely scripted but somehow beautiful to watch. Starry skies and starry Fassbender aside, there is a thing of beauty in the name SEAN HARRIS at the big front end of a blockbuster. He deserves to be seen by millions. He's a great actor and he burns with intensity on screen. Long live Eddie. You can buy SAXON the dvd at Amazon here You can download SAXON from the distributors Peccadillo here And you can review SAXON on IMDb here

All's quiet now

18.09.2011

SAXONITES the world over will be saddened to hear that distributors Peccadillo had all their stock stored in the SONY warehouse which was totally burnt down during the riots of August. Many other indie film and music distributors were hit too. The best you can do? Help keep the business going! Order lots of copies of SAXON! Even if you already own the dvd, why not give this wildly original Britfilm to friends and family? Say happy birthday and/or happy Christmas with a difference! Sing the film's theme song 'Cielito Lindo' (pretty blue sky) all the way through the gloom of winter.

May mix 'n' match

31.05.2010

We’re still here, and so are you! In this year of coalition and sharingness, we thought it would be good to mix ‘n’ match some news of cast and crew. SAXON’s writer-director Greg Loftin has won the services of not-so-secret agent Camille McCurry at United Artists, who is representing him and building some heat around his latest film script The Hand Factory, first aired at County Hall’s Debating Chamber in December last year. SAXON composers Micky Portman and Vincent Browett, together with Frankie Goes To Hollywood guitarist Nasher, have produced a world cup single for Neil Morrissey. England’s On The Way (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) was released 24th of May, to coincide with ITV series Men Brewing Badly – also scored by our two maestros – and on the EMI album England The Album 2010. Sean Harris, AKA our Eddie, was the show-stealing crim character called ‘Stretch’ in last year’s award-winning Michael Caine feature Harry Brown. SAXON's producer Elise Valmorbida has had two novels published: The TV President (2008) and The Winding Stick (2009). She was chosen for the feature interview of Angel magazine's 150th Anniversary Edition and profiled as "One to Watch" in MovieScope magazine. Hair and makeup duo Gloria and Sharon Holloway have opened cinematic hair salon ‘Vintage Hair Lounge’ in Southampton. But first, talented Sharon made The Crime Wave, starring Sarah Matravers (AKA SAXON’s Linda), which won two international awards last year: Best First Film (International Film Festival Thailand), and Best Avante Garde (International Film Festival Ireland). Andrew Joslin is the costume designer of films The Crime Wave, Krakatoa and, filming now, The Letters. Oh, and a whole stash of television besides. Since the summer of SAXON, Steven Priovolos has been cinematographer on no less than 8 feature films for cinema and television, and 11 TV series episodes, with more projects in development. Divian Ladwa (AKA Rahim) has written, directed and starred in a short film called The Boxer, which recently screened at Camden’s Roundhouse as part of the Portobello Film Festival. More festivals to come!

Autumn update

10.11.2009

Director-writer Greg Loftin, well underway with a new screenplay, has been offered an encouraging script development opportunity... The European School for Young Performers, The Movieum and Sarah Berger are proud to present a rehearsed reading of Greg Loftin's THE HAND FACTORY in the exciting new venue of The Debating Chamber in County Hall. Enjoy this startling gothic tale about a divided family where the women make hands and the men make trouble. So here's a date for your diary: 7.30pm, Tuesday 1st December. Admission is free. You can call to add your name to the guest list on 07984 226097 or turn up on the night, if there are places left. After the show, you can mingle with cast and crew in the bar. Recent airings for SAXON: a special offer on the dvd/book for NPA (New Producers Alliance) members, and an enthusiastic crowd at the producer's 'Making of a guerrilla film' presentation at Bucks New University.

Spring for SAXON

11.04.2009

In March, SAXON director Greg Loftin attended the European Independent Film Festival in Paris, in his new role as competition judge and critic. Saxonites will remember that this time last year SAXON was in competition – and won the coveted award of Best European Dramatic Feature. All great news for the guerrilla film that came from nowhere and ended up somewhere. More news from Paris: actor Paul McNeilly (SAXON's elusive boxer character 'Kevin') featured in a film called Zebra Crossing which won the Film of the Festival prize at the ECU Film Festival. Back in London, this April watch for the update of the SAXON website publicity section with the many positive reviews and articles generated by the film's dvd release earlier this year. The coverage has been extensive and positive. And it continues! Famous film critic Kim Newman describes SAXON as "endearing", "amusing" and "distinctive" in May's issue of EMPIRE magazine. Happy spring news indeed.

Meet the guerrillas

10.02.2009

The New Producers Alliance and Sillwood Films get together for a ‘how-to’ evening... How to make a successful guerrilla film, that is. Meet the makers, hear their story (eye-patch, twins and all), pocket the new dvd and book, plus your chance to win Final Draft software! AN EVENING WITH THE MAKERS OF SAXON WHO: director-writer Greg Loftin (NPA member), producer Elise Valmorbida (NPA member), distributor Simon Savory (Peccadillo) & publisher Charles Boyle (CB Editions) WHEN: 7.30 pm, Tuesday 17th February 2009 WHERE: Molinare, 34 Fouberts Place, London W1F 7PX HOW TO BOOK: Call NPA on 020 76130440, or email Chiara Ventura at events@npa.org.uk TICKETS: £10 NPA members, £20 non-members

DVD release: SAXON gets good press

31.01.2009

Saxonites the world over will cherish this merry month of January 2009, when the DVD finally hits the shelves, and reviews hit the magazines, papers, websites – and what a hit! Who would have thought that a film with such humble origins could rise to this? Read on... “Wielding a budget so low as to be almost imperceptible, first-time director Greg Loftin somehow turns in an original piece of work... Entirely independent and gleefully multi-genre.” (3 stars) —The Guardian, 23 January 2009 “Saxon has all the ingredients to become another British cult film... it’s the sort of film that a niche audience will adore... strong performances and some droll, quotable dialogue make for an experience highly original, slowly unsettling and defiantly compelling.” —Clash Magazine (Voted Best Magazine of the Year) 8/10 score “Saxon is a low-budget Brit-flick that successfully shakes off its monetary shortcomings to prove unexpectedly entertaining... It’s got blood and boxing, crossbows and curries, and enough blackest-comedy laughs to warrant immediate investigation.” —Rock Sound Magazine “Twisted, gritty and downright freaky, this British revenge thriller is long overdue its DVD release.” —Little White Lies “an engaging debut that bodes well for the future... a worthwhile movie that could easily secure a cult audience” —DVD Monthly “Noticeably low on budget it may be, but its filmmakers more than compensate for this with their enthusiasm and originality. They also have a trump card in leading man Sean Harris, best known for his faultless portrayal of Ian Curtis in 24 Hour Party People. A nervy, twitchy human punch-bag, he’s a lovable loser in the same mould as Frank Gallagher of ‘Shameless’ fame. —Channel4 / Film4 “...a quirky, aspirational enterprise backed by a po-faced turn from Harris. The extras really add to the sense of moviemaking in real-life trenches.” —Total Film “Saxon is a triumph of skill and imagination over limitations. It borrows freely from people like David Lynch, Kubrick and classics like the Maltese Falcon and Chinatown, but its very parochial story makes these homages seem fresh and self-parodic. On its own merits and as a blueprint for first time and small budget film makers, Saxon deserves praise. It illustrates that you should use flights of fancy and canny improvisation to hide the holes in pockets of your producers, and if you are creative or talented enough you will succeed. If you can look behind the DIY production, you will be in for a real treat. A low budget British film which is novel and creative given a strong DVD release. Buy it.” —DVD Monthly

SAXON the book instore

22.11.2008

Here's a snap of SAXON the book in Foyle's bookstore, Charing Cross Road. Actually, you might also notice (in the middle of the second shelf) a novel called THE TV PRESIDENT. This "part mystery, part road-movie, blackly funny switchback ride" was written by SAXON's producer Elise Valmorbida. Buy both books as cool Yule presents – for yourself, your friends and family. You can pick them up from Foyle's (evidently), Waterstone's, Amazon or, best of all, direct from the publisher CB Editions. Both books are way more fun than socks.

SAXON the book

19.10.2008

Yes folks, some things DO go to plan! SAXON the book has been written, edited, designed, proofed and proofed, printed, bound and published! It's a beautiful volume with raw brown covers, coloured endpapers, tasty typography and lots of black-and-white production stills. You can buy the book now from the usual retailers or, better still, direct from the publishers CB Editions. Inside SAXON - screenplay by Greg Loftin + the making of a guerrilla film: * the full original screenplay – this printed version offers new insights into the final film as it shows some elements which were lost or changed due to the constraints of budget, time and location * ‘the making of’ story based on the newsletters written by the producer for cast, crew and investors over the 3-year period from pre-production through to post-production, marketing, film festivals, distribution and release * full credits – cast, production crew, post-production, special thanks * a mini biog of lead actor Sean Harris, writer-director Greg Loftin and producer Elise Valmorbida * awards and extracts from the extensive press coverage the film has garnered to date * lots of lovely stills – behind the scenes and in front of them!

DVD premiere

19.10.2008

Stuff happens. Global financial and banking crisis. Retail crisis. Independent film distribution crisis. Big studios suddenly cram the pre-Christmas slot with comedy dvds to distract us while we digest turkey and worry about the world. The instore shelves will be heaving with product, so there's no space for little ole' SAXON until January 2009. It's a quiet time: people are on holidays, or broke, or curled up in front of the TV watching the dvds they got for Christmas... But it's also a good time: people have gift vouchers to spend and unwanted dvds to exchange at the shops, and SAXON stands a chance of getting noticed. Product and PR. Instore, online and in the media. So the news is this: 12 January 2009 is the official DVD premiere date for SAXON. You'll find the dvd – packed with extras to die for – at all the usual retailers, great and small. You'll also be able to buy the dvd direct from the distributors Peccadillo at www.peccadillopictures.com.

SAXON's UK release

25.08.2008

At last, Saxonites the world over can mark a special date in the calendar: Monday 8th December 2008. This is the day when SAXON the film will be released officially, following more than three years of perseverance, pain, generosity of spirit, talent, good luck and hard work by all concerned. It's the moment when the blockbustered retailers come up for air – fresh air. It's also when lots of people do their Christmas shopping. But for those wise ones who like to plan ahead, the DVD will soon be available to pre-order from the usual media stores, online, or direct from distributors Peccadillo Pictures. Right now, the wheels of industry must spin very hard indeed... *DVD EXTRAS: shooting and editing of new interview footage, post-production work on special short, preparation of trailer, stills sequence, animation and music tracks *PR + MARKETING: press packs, online presence, mini adverts, interviews, design, deals *DISTRIBUTION: printed and wrapped packs available online and instore; streaming and downloading; rental *SAXON THE BOOK: typesetting, proofing and printing; marketing; distribution (eg bookshops, book fairs, online and direct purchase from the publishers CB Editions) *LAUNCH event – watch this space

The story continues...

17.07.2008

SAXON was nominated Best UK Debut Feature at the East End International Film Festival, and it was the first film in the entire festival to be sold out, weeks before screening, with a waiting list for returns on the night. The buzz attracted BBC London to the venue and director Greg Loftin appeared in exclusive interview on BBC London News. SAXON's producer Elise Valmorbida appeared in Moviescope Magazine's feature 'One to Watch', and soon will appear in interview as part of Movie Mogul's documentary about micro-budget Britfilms. The first-time producer recently received her Trailblazer trophy, courtesy of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and Skillset UK. Production of SAXON THE BOOK is underway. Commissioned by award-winning guerrilla publisher CB Editions, the beautifully produced volume includes the film's original screenplay, production stills, cast and crew credits, review extracts and the full story of how – against the odds – this guerrilla film was made and achieved success. More about the film's release and book publication in the next news posting...

East End International Film Festival

04.04.2008

Following recent festival successes in Edinburgh, Israel and Europe, the much anticipated English premiere of guerrilla film SAXON is happening – at the East End International Film Festival. Past big-name premieres here include films by Danny Boyle, Julian Cole, Julian Temple, Richard E Grant’s Wah Wah and the Oscar-winning documentary Born into Brothels. Click here to visit the East End Film Festival website. The SAXON screening at 8.30pm on 21st April is followed by a Q&A session with writer-director Greg Loftin and lead actors Sean Harris, Sarah Matravers and Michelle Connolly. The film's cast, crew, private investors and journalists are attending this 'sneak preview' event. SAXON is slated for general release in summer 2008, via distributors Peccadillo Pictures. For info about the Rich Mix cinema, visit http://www.richmix.org.uk/ For tickets to SAXON's English premiere, phone 020 7613 7490

WINNER: BEST EUROPEAN DRAMATIC FEATURE

18.03.2008

SAXON won the top award – BEST EUROPEAN DRAMATIC FEATURE – at the European Independent Film Festival held in Paris (14-16 March 2008). This is wonderful news for all the people who made SAXON happen with a homeopathically small budget, plenty of talent, tons of hope and hard work – fuelled by the generous support of friends, family, neighbours and strangers who dived in and are strangers no more! THANKS TO ALL FRIENDS OF SAXON. YOU ARE THE WINNERS!

Postcard from Paris

18.03.2008

From Brooklyn to Bucharest, and quite a few places in between, film-makers and film-goers converged on the landmark Bibliothèque Nationale de France for the ECU European Independent Film Festival. Official selection SAXON travelled to Paris, along with other features, shorts and documentaries, newly dubbed with French subtitles. The SAXON Q&A session in the Directors' Room was a mini-fest of enthusiasm. Audiences favoured the casting (from Sean Harris to lesser-known actors such as Divian Ladwa), the surreal aspects of the film, and the arresting combination of humour and menace. French viewers readily understood the British world of SAXON as a parallel to their own cité housing projects. With festival successes and UK theatrical release slated for summer 2008, Sillwood Films will seek agency/distribution in France and elsewhere in Europe.

SAXON in Europe!

08.03.2008

The latest purring black-cat luck for SAXON: official selection for the European Independent Film Festival, known as 'Europe's Sundance'! With dramatic features from Poland, Kosovo, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UK, the European Film Fest just happens to take place in the land of Lumière this year. Paris welcomes SAXON writer-director Greg Loftin with an exclusive directors-and-press-only boat cruise along the Seine. May the spirit of L'Atalante and Les Amants du Pont Neuf be with him! Then follows a press conference (with skyscraping views of Paris) and a weekend of intense screening activity at the Bibliothèque Nationale, from 14th–16th March. SAXON is scheduled for its European outing – with French subtitles – on Saturday 15th March. For more FilmFest info, click here: http://www.ecufilmfestival.com/ To see SAXON's new cinema trailer on the FilmFest website, click here: http://www.ecufilmfestival.com/interactive/

SAXON in Israel!

08.02.2008

SAXON was chosen from literally hundreds of new British films to feature in the British Film Festival in Israel (15th-26th January 2008). As an unexpected bonus, the director and producer were invited to attend the Festival as guests of the British Council. The SAXON duo was given a warm welcome by an impressive British Council team and a host of other cinephiles, including the founder of the Jerusalem Cinematheque Lia van Leer, FF program director Avinoam Harpak, Cinematheque director Ilan de Vries and Aviva Meirom, familiar to international audiences from the extraordinary feature documentary SLIM PEACE. SAXON had three successful Cinematheque outings – in Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv – all with Hebrew subtitles. On the closing night of the Festival (just before BRICK LANE) SAXON screened to a packed 370-seat auditorium. The Q&A sessions were upbeat. Despite its very very British bent, SAXON travels well.

Miracle workers

29.10.2007

Alas, no prizes (yet) for SAXON, apart from the Trailblazer award. But The Edinburgh International Film Festival and Michael Powell Award nomination are glittering achievements, considering SAXON’s scarce resources and outsider chances. Not to mention how much press coverage the film has received – most of it hugely positive. This year the film awards industry, even the independent sector, has been dominated by a few well-made features with well-upholstered budgets and the occasional big name too. Many film festivals and many cinemas will only accept a 35mm print – which SAXON’s makers can’t afford. There is no official funding scheme in the UK for a 35mm blow-up, even though there is a fund for further copies once one has been made. £25,000 is all it takes. Any miracle-workers out there?

***TOP AWARD NOMINATION***

14.07.2007

HOT OFF THE PRESS: SAXON has been nominated for THE MICHAEL POWELL AWARD for BEST NEW BRITISH FEATURE. There are eleven films in competition, many of them with well-upholstered budgets and famous actors, so SAXON supporters are kindly requested to cross fingers so hard it hurts. All religions, superstitions and rational/irrational belief systems accepted.

SAXON in Scotland!

07.07.2007

Edinburgh International Film Festival’s artistic director has officially selected Britfilm SAXON for the 2007 programme and awarded first-time producer Elise Valmorbida the honour of Trailblazer – one of only ten such sparklers in the UK. SAXON’s premiere happens at 21.45 on 22^nd August. There’s a second chance to catch it at 21.45 on 24^th August. We’d love you to come along, laugh, cry, clap if you dare and (regardless of all your emotions) carefully fill in the ratings card with the best marks in town, so SAXON stands a chance of winning the Audience Award. Check out http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/films/saxon/

The lucky black cat

01.07.2007

Peccadillo Pictures has partnered with SAXON for UK distribution. They are distributing Cannes 2007 Critics Week winner XXY, The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros, Beyond Hatred, Cannes 2006 Closing Film Transylvania and more... Peccadillo’s emblem is a black cat. Their office is at Panther House. Talk about the cute little furry thing that roared. UK Distribution: PECCADILLO PICTURES UNIT 11, Panther House, 38 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X 0AN TEL: +44 (0)20 7837 1118