Six weeks into his run as the suave, fast-talking socialite CK Dexter, Kevin Spacey left his role in The Philadelphia Story to his understudy. He was only away for six weeks, but the artistic director of the Old Vic still came in for a lot of flak.
One university hopes it can bring a little bit of Hollywood's business to the UK by equipping students for the producer's chair. Cass business school, part of City University, anticipates good box office for its new MSc and MBA in film business. Released this autumn by the Cass Film Business Academy, the two qualifications are the first of their kind anywhere in the world, and applications are high.
Principal Photography for Young Films' latest feature film, Seachd - The Inaccessible Pinnacle is starting on the Isle of Skye. Seachd will be the first ever contemporary Gaelic-language feature film intended for worldwide theatrical release. The film is from Scottish producer Chris Young, whose last production, Festival, gained two UK BAFTA nominations (including Best British Film) as well as winning Best Film at the UK Comedy Awards.
Movie star Cate Blanchett looks simply stunning as Queen Elizabeth, as she re-enacted the famous scene from history when Sir Walter Raleigh - played by Clive Owen - lays down his cloak over a puddle.
New Zealand independent feature film The Ferryman began principal photography in Auckland, on 31 March and is well on track to wrap on Saturday 13 May. This official NZ/UK co-production is produced by key producing partners Matthew Metcalfe (Nemesis Game) and Atlantic Film’s Alan Harris (Wallis & Edward). It was developed initially by New Zealand producer Matthew Metcalfe and the period from concept to production was just 14 months.
Liverpool has confirmed its film friendly status by enabling Channel Four and Oxford Film and Television to film Bradford Riots, a TV feature exploring the aftermath of the rioting that took place in Bradford.
Manchester has again seen a 30% rise in filming in the first three months of this year. That is on top of the 30% rise recorded last year. The city has seen dozens of dramas return for a second, third and even fourth series. Vincent, Life on Mars, Cold Blood, Waterloo Road, Blue Murder, Shameless, Northern Lights and New Street Law have all been recommissioned.
Film fans looking up to sky in Edinburgh may catch a fleeting glimpse of a star of a different kind over the next few weeks. Actor Jamie Bell, star of the smash hit Billy Elliot, is filming for his latest movie, Hallam Foe about a boy who lives on the rooftops of Scotland's capital city.
Thousands of young girls auditioned this week for a chance to star in a new movie franchise that promises to be a dark rival to the Harry Potter films.