Louis Theroux produces Boybands Forever for BBC Two

OHMYGOSSIP — Louis Theroux is producing a new BBC show that will explore boyband mania during the 90s and 00s.
‘Boybands Forever’ will air on BBC Two in the autumn and the series will feature some searingly honest interviews with some well-known figures in the music industry, including Robbie Williams and Simon Cowell.
Louis said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled about this series.
“An epic story featuring a cast of stars and star-makers, spanning three decades, it involves some of the icons of modern British pop.
“We see them through their highs and lows, hearing from the key players, as we chart the golden years of boy bands. How they came together, the experience of sudden fame, the opportunity and temptations that came their way, conflicts within the groups, between the groups, and between the boys and their managers.”
Louis has been working on the show for more than 12 months, and the veteran documentary-maker can’t wait for people to see it.
He said: “It’s a gripping fable about getting everything you dreamed of, and it not being what you imagined, centred on a generation of young men, and their managers, who were wildly successful and also immensely vulnerable, having the times of their lives and also in some cases cracking up.
“Those boys we all watched singing and dancing in tight formation – Take That, East 17, Westlife, Blue, Five, Damage, 911 and so many others – are now middle-aged men who have the time and the maturity to look back and reflect on what they went through.
“It’s taken us more than a year to make the series. Now I’m just excited for people to see it.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

‘I don’t care if it’s good’: Quentin Tarantino refuses to watch Toy Story 4

OHMYGOSSIP — Quentin Tarantino has “no desire” to watch ‘Toy Story 4’.
The acclaimed director thought the previous three entries into Pixar’s animated series were excellent – but Tarantino is now “done” with the franchise and so won’t watch the fourth or upcoming fifth movies in the series.
During an appearance on the ‘Club Random with Bill Maher’ podcast, Tarantino said: “I don’t watch all the animated movies and stuff, but I’m a big fan of the ‘Toy Story’ trilogy.”
Tarantino loved the third movie in the money-spinning franchise, but he’s insisted that the series shouldn’t continue.
He shared: “The third one is just magnificent.
“It’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. And if you’ve seen the other two, it’s just devastating. But the thing is, then three years later or something they did a fourth, and I have no desire to see it. You literally ended the story as perfect as you could, so no, I don’t care if it’s good. I’m done.”
The ‘Kill Bill’ filmmaker then compared the animated movies to Clint Eastwood’s Spaghetti Western pictures, which Tarantino argued was the only cinematic trilogy to work “to the Nth degree”.
He explained: “I think there’s only one trilogy that completely and utterly works to the Nth degree and that’s ‘A Fistful of Dollars’, ‘For a Few Dollars More’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’.”
The ‘Django Unchained’ director added the trilogy worked as well as it did because each entry was able to build on its predecessor and wrap up the overall story effectively.
He said: “It does what no other trilogy has ever been quite able to do.
“The first movie is terrific, but the second movie is so great and takes the whole idea to such a bigger canvas that it obliterates the first one.
“And then the third one does the same thing to the second one, and that’s kind of what never happens. You’ll see this big jump from the first to the second and they don’t really land the third one.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Alison Hammond reveals major money struggles early on in TV fame: ‘It’s not good all the time…’

OHMYGOSSIP — Alison Hammond struggled to pay her bills in the years after she found fame.
The 49-year-old presenter became known to the public when she appeared as a contestant on ‘Big Brother’ in 2002 and subsequently joined ITV’s ‘This Morning’ where she hosted the competition segments but work dried up in the years that followed and she had to get a job in a hairdressers to make ends meet.
She told The Observer: “There was a time when I couldn’t pay my mortgage and I was really famous. I’d answer the phone, do a few blow dries. It’s not all good all of the time. ”
These days, the former ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ contestant – who has 19-year-old son Aiden with her ex-husband Noureddine Boufaied – is one of the regular main presenters on ‘This Morning’ and also fronts ‘The Great British Bake Off’ but admitted that if it all ended tomorrow, she would manage as she has done before and would happily work in a supermarket if she had to.
She said: “But I was all right, you know? That’s television, it’s fickle and it’s part of my journey, part of my power.
“I know I’ll be OK, because I’ve been OK before. I’ll go and work at Tesco and people will still love me.”
As a child, Alison joined the Central Junior Television Workshop in her hometown of Birmingham and recalled just having a desire to be “in front of the camera” even at that early age.
She said: “It was being in front of other people that thrilled me. I would just show up in front of a camera. I’d do cartwheels, though I was a big girl. And I liked the fact that people would say, ‘Wow, look how big you are – and you can do that!’ I liked surprising people.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

EastEnders’ Maisie Smith admits that she ‘doesn’t remember’ not being famous

OHMYGOSSIP — Maisie Smith “doesn’t remember” not being famous.
The 23-year-old actress was just six years old when she was cast as Tiffany Butcher in the BBC soap opera ‘EastEnders’ and admitted that because she has spent so long in the public eye, she has developed a “thicker skin” and doesn’t pay any attention to trolls.
Speaking on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’, she told stand-in host Ranvir Singh: “I think…I don’t remember not having this life and being in the public eye. It is normal and I’ve probably grown a thicker skin because of it because it’s all I’ve ever known. I don’t let things affect me. I always say I wouldn’t go to a stranger for advice, then I wouldn’t take their criticism neither.”
In 2020, Maisie took part in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and later struck up a relationship with fellow contestant Max George, 35, and insisted that she and The Wanted star are “so happy” together.
She said: “I’ve always said from the start, we’ve been going two years now, my family and [his] family are so close. We’re so happy. Max has been there for my family when we’ve been going through stuff, we’re just a family.”
Max and Maisie preparing to take on the roles of Parson Nathaniel and his wife Beth in ‘Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds’ in 2025, and while the parts have been played by the likes of Blue singer Duncan James and Claire Richards of Steps fame, as well as former ‘Neighbours’ star Jason Donovan and former ‘Wicked’ actress Kerry Ellis in the past, this is the first time a real-life couple have assumed the roles.
Maisie said: “It was quite nice that we rehearsed it together so we knew what we had practiced. It was quite nice having him with me because I always get nervous in auditions.
“I love it. It’s, very, very rare that you get to work with your other half and we spend every day together. I can’t wait to go on tour! We do everything together.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Aisling Bea has given birth but gives pregnancy ‘one-star’ rating in a Tripadvisor-style review

OHMYGOSSIP — Aisling Bea has given birth to her first baby – but was not impressed with the side effects of pregnancy.
The 40-year-old comedienne – who is in a relationship with Jack Freeman – took to social media on Bank Holiday Monday (26.08.24) to reveal that she and her partner had welcomed their first child together, and while she did not announce the sex or name of the little one, did rate the whole experience as “one-star” in a post that parodied comparison website Tripadvisor.
She wrote on Instagram: “Trip advisor review of Pregnancy: One star.”
Aisling compared the state of expecting a baby as being “expensive” and joked that the whole thing had reminded her of the infamous Glasgow Willie Wonka Experience that went viral earlier this year.
She wrote: “No breakfast included.
-Limited drinks menu.
-Expensive.
-Left feeling very unrested.
-Not as described online or in pictures.
-Reminded me of the Glasgow Willie Wonka experience.
-Towards the end of my stay I was repeatedly kicked in the nuts.
UTIs, bleeding, depression, cramps, insomnia, nosebleeds, sinus blockage, migraines, vomiting, being randomly touched by people without asking, bones mushing, organs moving, skin stretching, being told that you’ll forget all the pain/that it’s a privilege / that it will all be “worth it“ in the end, heightened awareness of climate change and worst of all- boredom- all described as « normal » and was repeatedly recommended « a nice bath » as a fix to all of the above.”
But the ‘This Way Up ‘ star did enjoy some positives through her pregnancy, such as luxurious baths and enjoyed receiving some “extra chips” from a takeaway shortly before giving birth.
She added: “Positives:
-Bath quite nice.
-Lots of help with bags at end of stay.
-Before checking out, nearby kebab shop man provided free extra chips and quite a flirty wink, which I appreciated.
-Was given a little gift at check out which is, admittedly, quite cute.”
Earlier this year, Aisling announced the news of her pregnancy to fans with a series of comedic Instagram posts with pictures taken while she attended the Big Slick ’24 celebrity event in the US over the weekend to raise money for a children’s hospital.
She posted images and videos on her Instagram Stories of her flaunting her baby bump – which she painted with a child’s face – in the mirror and beside 55-year-old actor Paul Rudd.
She captioned the posts: “Dignity Intact. Got pregnant so I could try and put something beside Paul Rudd’s face to make him look older.”
Referring to other famous faces at the event, she added: “Thanks to the @bigslickkc, Paul, @sethherzog super boy @travisKelce and mostly our angel @sherylcrow for helping me show off my bump in the most dignified and classy way possible.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Winona Ryder admits Beetlejuice’s Lydia Deetz was ‘hard to imagine’ as an adult

OHMYGOSSIP — Winona Ryder thinks her ‘Beetlejuice’ role Lydia Deetz was “hard to imagine” as an adult.
After playing the death-obsessed teen in the 1988 flick, the 52-year-old actress is reprising the part for the upcoming legacy sequel ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ – which sees the character become a mother – though Ryder has now admitted she initially struggled to see the character move beyond her gothic phase and become a parent.
She told Slash Film: “I think certainly, I never pictured Lydia either having children or in any type of relationship.
“I just always thought she was just probably in her own world as she got older. Just sort of in the attic and happy, but alone.”
The ‘Stranger Things’ actress added that as soon as she started working with Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux – who play Lydia’s daughter Astrid and boyfriend respectively – on the project, she was able to get a better grasp of this new version of the character.
She explained: “I think once we got there and once Jenna and I bonded and once Justin came on board … I mean, I think everyone who’s as old as I am now, we’ve all been in those things where you’re just like, ‘What was I thinking, in terms of the relationship I have?’
“But I don’t know with young Lydia, I don’t think she would ever have expected to be in front of a camera.”
As well as Ryder, the upcoming movie sees Michael Keaton reprise his role as Beetlejuice, though the actor previously admitted he was somewhat apprehensive about returning as the foul-mouthed ghost before ultimately realising director Tim Burton had a definitive vision for the sequel.
Speaking to Collider, he said: “With filmmaking, you’ve got to keep up a level of energy and pace and focus, and I didn’t know what the vibe was gonna be or the process was gonna be. We shot in this little studio down at Culver City, a cool, legendary kind of place. I think they made some silent movies on some of these stages.
“But when I went over there, you don’t know how it’s gonna work or what the pace of things is gonna be. I didn’t know.
“So, I just went in saying, ‘Well, I’m just gonna do what we did the first time as close as I can.’ Tim had already seen it; it was just totally clear in his head.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Simu Liu was ‘really nervous’ to fight Michelle Yeoh in Shangi-Chi

OHMYGOSSIP — Simu Liu was “really nervous” to fight Michelle Yeoh in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.
The 35-year-old actor came to blows with Yeoh, 62, in the 2021 Marvel movie, and has now admitted he was anxious to share the screen with someone who is so proficient in martial arts.
Speaking on a panel at Fan Expo Canada, he said: “When we shared our scenes together, and I had the opportunity to fight her, it was more of a dance fight.
“First of all, I was really nervous and, second of all, she’s so petite and graceful, and I just felt like a big clumsy chunk of meat just flopping around. It worked for the scene, right?
“She’s trying to kind of teach me to find harmony with my body, and it’s very Tai Chi oriented.
“So it’s very flowy, she’s kind of guiding you through, and I’m like stumbling. I didn’t have to do a lot to get into character, and she’s great. Just the absolute best kind of person to hang out with.”
This comes just as Lui has confirmed a sequel to the superhero blockbuster is in the works.
He told the Press Trust of India: “A lot of it is above my pay grade, but it’s definitely happening. So just very excited to kind of work on it, and it’s going to be amazing.
“I really can’t say anything beyond that.”
While the ‘Barbie’ actor has now revealed Marvel Studios is developing a follow-up flick, Lui’s co-star Awkwafina, 36, had previously admitted she hadn’t heard anything abut a potential sequel.
When Comicbook.com asked the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ star if she had had any updates about a possible second movie in the series, she said: “I have not. I haven’t [heard anything].
Although she had no news about the sequel, Awkwafina emphasised she enjoyed watching Marvel’s announcements at San Diego Comic-Con last month as the studio revealed its plans for the future of the franchise – including Robert Downey Jr. returning to the series as Dr. Doom.
She added: “Those were exciting announcements at Comic-Con.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Strictly star Vito Coppola throws support behind Graziano Di Prima

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Vito Coppola has thrown his support behind Graziano Di Prima after he was axed from the show.
The 31-year-old professional dancer is standing by his close friend – who he grew up competing in dance competitions in Italy with – despite the 30-year-old dancer and his co-star Giovanni Pernice being dropped from the BBC One Latin and ballroom show amid claims of abuse, which they have denied.
Vito told The Mirror: “I love Graziano.
“I’ve known him since years ago, when we were competing. I love him and I will love him for ever.”
Allegations about Graziano’s’ conduct were made by his 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
He insisted that he is not a “monster” or an “abusive man”.
The choreographer told Mail+: “I didn’t deliberately hurt anyone. I’m not a monster. I’m not an abusive man.
“The only thing I can think of is the time I kicked the floor in frustration. We’d practised hour after hour to perfect a routine with lifts. It wasn’t easy but that’s the pressure of the show. I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor. Afterwards I hugged her and said I was sorry. There was no problem. We carried on.
“I’m not sure if this is it or if it’s from when we, as professional dancers, move our partner’s leg with our foot. That is what is so difficult for me – not knowing.”
After he was axed from the show, Graziano shared his “regrets” in a candid post on Instagram, writing: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from ‘Strictly’.
“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Bradley Walsh praises outrageous moment for taking The Chase into ‘different stratosphere’

OHMYGOSSIP — Bradley Walsh thinks Fanny Chmelar took ‘The Chase’ into “a different stratosphere”.
The 64-year-old star has suggested the ITV teatime quiz show – which sees contestants try to outrun one of the titular ‘chasers’ – turned a corner when he doubled over laughing over a question about the German skier.
He’s quoted by the Daily Star newspaper’s Hot TV column as saying: “I think the public will always remember Fanny, which is when the show really took off and went into a different stratosphere.
“I think that after Fanny the question writers saw the public reaction and saw how the audience responded and therefore knew that it was something that worked well.”
The show is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, with a special episode set to air on Monday (02.09.24).
Bradley – who appears on the programme with Chasers Anne Hegerty, Jenny Ryan, Shaun Wallace, Paul Sinha and Mark Labbett – suggested its longevity and enduring popularity with fans comes down to the humour along with his own laughing fits.
He added: “The question writers often try to make me laugh. It can be quite difficult to keep a straight face when they do.
“And the humour is something that differentiates ‘The Chase’ from other shows.
“It’s an important element that the writers enjoy being able to contribute to.”
Even though he can see why fans still love ‘The Chase’, the ‘Gladiators’ presenter admitted no one on the show take its lengthy run on air “for granted”.
He said: “It’s unbelievable really. It’s such a privilege and none of us – myself or The Chases – take it for granted.
“Let’s face it, 15 years is a long time, and we’ve recorded thousands of episodes, so it just feels incredible and I’m so thankful that the public continue to tune in and watch.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Quentin Tarantino was not happy Toy Story got a fourth film

OHMYGOSSIP — Quentin Tarantino has “no desire” to see the fourth ‘Toy Story’ movie because it had a “perfect” ending with the third film.
The Hollywood filmmaker has discussed famous trilogies that have worked or not work, in his opinion, and he cannot believe the classic animated franchise went ahead with another flick.
Speaking on Bill Maher’s ‘Club Random’ podcast, he said: “I don’t watch all the animated movies and stuff, but I’m a big fan of the ‘Toy Story’ trilogy.
“I think there’s only one trilogy that completely and utterly works to the Nth degree and that’s ‘A Fistful of Dollars’, ‘For a Few Dollars More’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.’”
He continued: “It does what no other trilogy has ever been quite able to do.
“The first movie is terrific, but the second movie is so great and takes the whole idea to such a bigger canvas that it obliterates the first one. And then the third one does the same thing to the second one, and that’s kind of what never happens. You’ll see this big jump from the first to the second and they don’t really land the third one.”
Tarantino said of Pixar films: “In the case of ‘Toy Story,’ the third one is just magnificent.
“It’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. And if you’ve seen the other two, it’s just devastating. But the thing is, then three years later or something, they did a fourth. I have no desire to see it. You literally ended the story as perfect as you could, so no, I don’t care if it’s good. I’m done.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Jenna Ortega thinks she had a ‘secret’ audition for Dune

OHMYGOSSIP — Jenna Ortega thinks she had a “very secret” audition for ‘Dune’.
The 21-year-old actress has revealed she once had a mysterious read for a role for what she believes was Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s big screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic 1965 sci-fi novel.
Asked to name a role “people would be surprised” she auditioned for, she told Buzzfeed: “I think I auditioned for ‘Dune’ when I was about 15.
“I remember being a big fan of that film and that franchise and everything like that and being really excited for that interview because Denis is one of my favourite filmmakers.”
The ‘Wednesday’ star thinks the part she was reading for was Chani, which eventually went to Zendaya.
She added: “I think it was Chani. I think it was Zendaya’s. But they weren’t saying that. Everything was very secret.”
Zendaya, 27, was reportedly cast in January 2019, while Timothee Chalamet, 28, plays her love interest Paul Atreides.
Jenna has been working in film and television since she was a child, and she recently admitted “there’s times I regret” becoming an actress so young.
However, she told the New York Times newspaper: “My mother had seen the way that other children maybe weren’t protected or weren’t as looked after.
“She watched over me like a hawk, so I think for her, it was more empathizing and wishing she somehow could have done something to help.
“She just called me saying she was so grateful that things were OK and that she was there to witness everything.”
Thanks to the support she had from her mother, Jenna has admitted she “wouldn’t change anything” about her career.
She first rose to fame a decade ago in the titular role of comedy drama series ‘Jane The Virgin’, before roles in the likes of ‘Stuck in the Middle’, ‘You’ and ‘Yes Day’, before moving onto projects like ‘The Fallout’, ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Scream’.

Source: IconInsider.com

Emmerdale bosses announce special ‘stylised episode’ focused on Belle King’s abuse storyline

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Emmerdale’ will air a special episode next week showing different futures for Belle King’s abuse at the hands of Tom King.
The ITV soap has unveiled plans for a “stylised episode” showing three different futures for Eden Taylor Draper’s character after Tom (James Chase) threatens to never give up on her.
On September 5, viewers will be shown three different possibilities for Belle if she doesn’t get rid of Tom from her life.
The soap’s producers have worked with Refuge to make sure the storyline is an accurate reflection.
Producer Sophie Roper said: “In this stylised episode, we explore Belle’s worst fears and see the true extent of the impact her abusive relationship with Tom has had on her.
“If one person seeks help for a situation they are in because of seeing Belle’s plight it will be an achievement.
“Domestic abuse can be undetectable from outside a relationship and hopefully the scenes of Belle and then Amelia’s relationships, though difficult viewing at times, may shine a light on some aspects of domestic abuse.
“Charity Dingle told Belle she would be available to listen whenever Belle was ready to talk. Could now finally be the time for Belle to open up about the extent of her abusive relationship?”
Meanwhile, Eden noted while people “will find it distressing and uncomfortable” to watch the episode, she is glad the soap is delving into the important storyline “to its full potential”.
She added: “I’m excited for everyone to see this dream episode as I feel it’s a great representation of what’s going on inside Belle’s mind and the constant fear even though she is no longer ‘in’ the abusive relationship.
“It was a very special episode to film, I understand viewers will find it distressing and uncomfortable but I am so proud we are exploring this to its full potential to give people a real insight to what can go on.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Amy Dowden trusted Dianne Buswell with mastectomy scar because of dancing bond

OHMYGOSSIP — Amy Dowden trusted Dianne Buswell with seeing her mastectomy scar because she understands the pressure of being a dancer.
The 34-year-old star – who revealed in May 2023 she had been diagnosed with breast cancer – has given her fans a candid look into her treatment and recovery in an emotional new documentary.
‘Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me’ aired on BBC last night (26.08.24) and saw Amy open up on the close bond she has with Dianne after they joined ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the same time.
At one point, the two friends reunite after Amy’s treatment, and Amy pointed out how her friend “got” the pressure of wanting a “perfect body”.
She told RadioTimes.com: “Being in the public eye, and being dancers and wanting this perfect body, which I really don’t look at wanting a perfect body at all anymore.
“My body has got me through so much. I’m surprised [and] I’m so proud of what it’s got through. But I guess Dianne understood where I was coming from.
“Dianne got it. I mean, she’s a dancer too. She knows the costumes we’ve got to wear, and we’re so honest and open each other like that.”
In the documentary, Dianne asked her friend: “How does your breast actually look?”
Amy admitted she “didn’t look at it for two weeks and had to do it with a nurse”.
Dianne acknowledged that “appearance is a big thing” for dancers, and “anything that does happen physically” plays “a mental role”.
Amy showed Dianne her breast, and her friend replied: “It looks amazing! It’s so perky, it actually looks so good.
“It looks great… Just looking at you, you look incredible and I can’t wait for the moment we get to dance again. We’re all rooting for you, everyone is.”
‘Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me’ is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Daisy May Cooper almost got ‘knocked out’ by confetti cannon during Password filming

OHMYGOSSIP — Daisy May Cooper was almost “knocked out” by a confetti cannon on her new gameshow.
The ‘Password’ star – whose new show starts this weekend on ITV1 – has opened up about a scary moment during filming, when the crew accidentally set off the prop right next to her while celebrating a contestant’s big moment.
As quoted by the Daily Star newspaper, she said: “There’s confetti cannons that go off if you win the £10,000.
“We won 10k for this guy and the confetti cannon was fired almost point black into my eyeball.
“I hope they do a slow motion replay because it nearly knocked me out.”
It’s said medics were quick to respond and make sure the 38-year-old star was able to continue with filming.
Daisy is a team captain on the show, and she loved the chance to help contestants win the cash prize.
She added: “When you win somebody the jackpot, it’s amazing, it’s euphoric.
“There was one woman who wanted a new wheelchair and the pressure of that, knowing how desperately she needed it, that was intense.”
And despite her near miss on set, Daisy would love it if the gameshow was renewed for a second series.
She said: “I’d do another series in a heartbeat.”
Last month, it was revealed Daisy is taking a break from her role as team captain on ‘Never Mind The Buzzcock’s after becoming a mum for the third time.
She gave birth to son Benji in early June, and will be replaced by comedian Sophie Willan, 36, for the upcoming fourth series until Daisy returns for the Christmas special.
Daisy had taken to Instagram to say she was very grateful to everyone for their “beautiful messages” after the arrival of her baby boy – who she said arrived a “bit earlier than we expected”.
She wrote on Instagram: “You came a bit earlier than we expected and gave me the worst post op constipation that I nearly had to phone the Samaritans but my god you are perfect.
“I cannot thank @deliverysuitegrh enough. The way you looked after us through such a scary time was above and beyond.
“You are all superstars. I am so blessed. Welcome to the world little Benji, ya nutter Born 06/06/24.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

The Zelensky Story director ‘woken by air raid sirens’ during filming in Ukraine

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘The Zelensky Story’ director Michael Waldman was “woken up by air-raid sirens” while filming the new series.
The filmmaker was granted rare access to interview Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and his First Lady Olena Zelenska for the new three-part BBC documentary, and he admitted there were some big challengers with filming in the country amid the Russian invasion.
He told the BBC: “To start with, getting there! All Ukrainian airspace is completely closed – so me and the cameraman flew to Warsaw, then travelled by road to the Polish/Ukrainian border, then heaved all filming equipment onto the (always full) overnight train to Kyiv – and of course the same in reverse, so not easy to make last minute changes to plans!
“And when there, not only occasionally being woken up by air-raid sirens but also of course the massive security getting into the Office of the President building – and then further complicated layers to get into the inner sanctum.”
As well as interviewing the family and their inner circle, the series also includes new accounts from world leaders like Boris Johnson and Nancy Pelosi, plus former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Advisor to the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak.
In a press release, the BBC teases: “Combining exclusive interviews with extraordinary archive footage never before broadcast in the UK, the series sheds new light on the origins of the war in Ukraine and the two men at its epicentre: Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.”
Reflecting on the decision to focus on Zelensky for the new series, Waldman said: “Zelensky is now arguably the most significant figure on the world stage.
“He is at the epicentre of the 21st century’s most important political and military storm – a war which inevitably affects us all.
“On top of that, his personal story is quite simply extraordinary. Who could be a more fascinating person to get to know?”
‘The Zelensky Story’ will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from September 4 at 6am. Watch on BBC Two weekly from September 4 at 9pm.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Francis Ford Coppola deliberately cast ‘cancelled’ actors in Megalopolis

OHMYGOSSIP — Francis Ford Coppola cast “cancelled” stars in ‘Megalopolis’ because he didn’t want the movie to be considered “some woke Hollywood production”.
The upcoming sci-fi drama includes controversial actors Shia LaBeouf – who was accused of sexual assault in 2021 – and far-right Donald Trump supporter Jon Voight, though the 85-year-old director has revealed he purposely brought on the stars to avoid the picture being written off as a “woke” film that’s “lecturing viewers”.
He explained to Rolling Stone magazine: “What I didn’t want to happen is that we’re deemed some woke Hollywood production that’s simply lecturing viewers.
“There were people who are archconservatives and others who are extremely politically progressive. But we were all working on one film together. That was interesting, I thought.”
‘The Godfather’ filmmaker praised LaBeouf for his work on the flick, though admitted the actor had “deliberately” tried to create tension between himself and the director.
He said: “Shia really took to it. I had no experience working with him prior to this, but he deliberately sets up a tension between himself and the director to an extreme degree.
“He reminds me of Dennis Hopper, who would do something similar, and then you’d say, ‘Just go do anything,’ and then they go off and do something brilliant.”
Looking beyond the picture – which stars Adam Driver as an architect who wants to build a utopian city after a cataclysmic disaster leaves a New York-like metropolis in ruins – the director revealed he was not planning to retire after the movie hits theatres on 27 September.
When asked if ‘Megalopolis’ – which he personally financed – was going to be his final film, he said: “No, I’m working on two potential projects right now.
“One is a regular sort of movie that I’d like someone to finance and make in England, because I don’t have a big history with my wife in England. Everywhere else I go, I’m reminded of her all the time.
“The other is called ‘Distant Vision’, which is the story of three generations of an Italian American family like mine, but fictionalised, during which the phenomenon of television was invented. I would finance it with whatever ‘Megalopolis’ does. I’ll want to do another roll of the dice with that one.”

Source: IconInsider.com