Press Release: Shakespeare Goes 3D 4 Kidz
FROM: MARK THOMAS, PRODUCER, ELSINORE FILMS LTD

SHAKESPEARE GOES 3D 4 KIDZ

3D Hamlet musical launches Shakespeare 4 Kidz Movie Series

S4K’s Hamlet in 3D will be the first of a series of six movie adaptations of the musical versions of the Bard’s plays originally created by the acclaimed UK theatre company Shakespeare 4 Kidz.

The film, which is produced by Mark Thomas and Elsinore Films, will be directed by double BAFTA winner John Godber, who is reuniting his partnership with Thomas, the producer of Godber’s film version of Up ‘n’ Under.

Series producer Mark Thomas of Elsinore Films explained “We have long admired the work that Julian and the team at Shakespeare 4 Kidz have achieved, which is often described as the “Disney-fication” of Shakespeare, and we are delighted that funding opportunities have presented themselves so readily.”

Executive Producer Michael Cowan, co-MD of Spice Factory and Stealth Media Group says: “We believe that there is a great commercial opportunity here for the S4K series to flourish in the worldwide market, and the titles to enjoy an ‘evergreen’ status which will still be selling in 50 years time.”

Not only will the story of Hamlet be told in a unique and exciting way, but the addition of the latest 3D technology brings added excitement to cinema audiences: a ghost that hovers in front of your eyes, cannon-fire that flies into the auditorium and a final sword-fight that seems to literally be all around you, are just some of the features promised in the first film, which is firmly targeted at the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and High School Musical market.

S4K’s Julian Chenery, who is a co producer of the new film series, says “Creating a Hamlet for children was the ultimate test for The Shakespeare 4 Kidz Theatre Company and we are thrilled that the team of Mark Thomas, John Godber and Michael Cowan are able to help bring this unique idea to the big screen.”

S4K’s Hamlet is the first in a series of three Shakespeare 4 Kidz movies that will be produced back-to-back over an eighteen month period.b “Hamlet” will be followed by “Macbeth” and “Romeo and Juliet” in the first block of three. The second series will feature “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Twelfth Night” and “The Tempest”.

Alongside the movies, Elsinore has developed a television show “Movie Quest – A Romeo 4 Juliet”, a public search to find two undiscovered young actors to play the lead parts of Romeo and Juliet.

S4K’s Hamlet will be distributed internationally and in the UK by Stealth Media who are about to release the 3D version of Garfield Petforce.

ENDS

All enquiries:
Michael Cowan, Stealth Media/Spice Factory : Tel: 01273 739182
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Contact Details:
Mark Thomas 07770 776245
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Julian Chenery (Shakespeare 4 Kidz Production Office) 01342 894548
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Mark Thomas is currently producing THREE DAYS IN DUBLIN starring Ray Winstone and Heather Graham and THE KID starring Rupert Friend and Natasha McElhone. His previous films include UP ‘N’ UNDER, RANCID ALUMINIUM, TRIGGERMEN, HOLLYWOOD NORTH and ROCK MY WORLD.

Double BAFTA winner John Godber is – with Alan Ayckbourn – the most produced living British playwright in the world, only beaten by William Shakespeare himself. He is best known for his plays BOUNCERS, UP ‘N’ UNDER and ON THE PISTE; and is artistic director of Hull Truck Theatre.

Julian Chenery is best known for his work as the creative force behind the acclaimed Shakespeare 4 Kidz Theatre Company. His musical adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, written with composer Matt Gimblett, have regularly played UK theatres since 1997.
The company is currently reviving its 2000 production of S4K’s Macbeth.

Michael Cowan and Jason Piette’s Spice Factory is one of the UK’s most dynamic and successful independent film production companies, having produced over 57 films from US$1m to US$52m, including Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino.
 
What they say about us:

S4K HAMLET: "Hamlet is a rather difficult play for children to understand, however the class came away enthused to do some follow up work. I've had VERY positive feedback from parents..... THANK YOU!"