This week’s production diary dips into the archive and dusts off an interview we recorded with one of Britain’s most recognisable character actors, Sir Michael Hordern, who appeared in over 140 films along with countless acclaimed stage appearances in a career that spanned 60 years. Continue reading “PRODUCTION DIARY #11: From the Archive – Sir Michael Hordern Reflects on His Passion For Acting”
Our PRODUCTION DIARY this week features two great actresses. Valerie Leon and Madeline Smith have been at the heart of British film and television since the 1960s and have appeared in the three biggest film franchises ever to come out of the UK, Hammer Films’ Gothic shockers, the classic Carry-On series and the record-breaking James Bond films. Continue reading “PRODUCTION DIARY #10: Valerie Leon & Madeline Smith on Hammer Films, Carry-On & James Bond”
Derek Fowlds has been at the heart of British film and television since the 1960s, not least of all when he entered our homes on the BBC as Mr Derek, the side-kick to the irascible Basil Brush. It’s a role he admits that he was not keen to continue after the first series. He was a serious actor, after all. A graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. But the pressure to find work persuaded him to take-on the second series and he never looked back. Continue reading “PRODUCTION DIARY #9: Derek Fowlds – At the Heart of British Telly, from Basil Brush to Heartbeat”
In Production PETER CUSHING: In His Own Words
In May 1986 Peter Cushing reflected on his life during an hour-long interview thought to be lost to the archive, but now we can hear his reflections for the first time and get a unique insight into his personality that helps us assess his lasting contribution to our cultural heritage.
This week’s PRODUCTION DIARY features an interview with the wonderful Madeline Smith, star of so many iconic British films and TV series. She has appeared in the three classic British film series; the James Bond film Live and Let Die, with Roger Moore, in Carry On Matron, part of Peter Rogers’ legendary Carry-On series and no less than three of Hammer Films’ gothic horrors from the late 60s and early 70s, Taste the Blood of Dracula, The Vampire Lovers and Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell.
Paul Welsh MBE reflects on why some of the biggest names in film and television have loved working at Elstree Studios and why so many keep returning, year after year. Continue reading “PRODUCTION DIARY #7: Paul Welsh MBE on Why the World’s Greatest Filmmakers Love Working at Elstree”
