SING A JOYFUL SONG: Jamie Sives to Make Public Singing Debut at Eilidh Brown

A few weeks ago, we learned about a lovely young woman, a brave battle fought, a life extinguished far too soon, and a wonderful effort by family and friends to help maintain that light and joy by helping others-and raising spirits in many ways. One such way involves the Eilidh Brown Memorial Concert, a charity event taking place at the start of a new year; a new year full of hope, of optimism, and on what I think will be a very good note indeed! :) In addition to the previously announced performers (such as Scotland's own Billy Boyd), this concert will mark the public debut of my favorite Scottish actor JAMIE SIVES!

Yes thats right! As noted on the official Facebook page for Eilidh Brown (thanks Ollie! :)

Jamie Sives, an actor and friend of Eilidh's dad Gordon, is one of the performers' at the Eilidh Brown Memorial Concert. He'll be singing in front of an audience for the first time.

As if this event could not be better or for a better cause, you now have the opportunity to hear Jamie sing in person. His lovely accent, lovely singing voice, lovely self right there singing for yall gah LOVE JAMIE :) what a great night that is going to be!

Details from the concert so far read as follows:

Get ready for an exceptional evening bringing together some of Scotland’s finest talent including headliners Jon Fratelli (The Fratellis and Codeine Velvet Club) and Billy Boyd (Lord Of The Rings), alongside Mark Cox and Jane Mcgarry of Still Game, with their very own brand of humour. A bunch of other well-known faces will guarantee an evening full of entertainment, all doing their best to raise money for The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund, set up Eilidh’s family in her memory and helping young people suffering from cancer. The family now hope to raise enough money to buy or build respite accommodation in the Stirling area for families touched by cancer, and you can do your bit with joining us for this one off celebration, closed by a free after party with DJs in the macrobert foyer.

As we first learned here some time ago, Jamie has a strong passion for music, and sings in a band called the Conegatherers. He has been quite busy on the acting front (wrapping up on HBO's Game of Thrones, prepping and doing his jury work for the British Independent Film Awards, but naturally music remains near and dear to his heart, just like the Eilidh Brown foundation. This concert will take place at the Macroberts Centre 15 January, 2011 and TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS CHARITY EVENT AT THIS LINK-GO GO NOW!

Learning about Eilidh has been a very good thing for me, I hope it will be for you too! Really, am so very glad that there will be a celebration of her life in this concert, a reminder that good things that can come out of tragedy as hard as that may be to understand, that there can be continued hope and healing and light and music for not only those touched by this lovely girl but by all families affected with the terribleness that is cancer. Fingers crossed for truly a great event!!

PS Thank you very much indeed Brown family and all who posted and linked to this on Facebook & twitter!

Sigma Begins Filming on Ciaran Foy's "Citadel"

A follow up on something first reported here months ago, I am thrilled to update with word that Sigma Films have officially begun filming on their newest project "Citadel." Yay!

In truly an international project, Ciaran Foy directs the latest movie which is described as a horror film of sorts, and features a wonderful cast, including rising star Welsh actor Aneurin Barnard in the lead role of Tommy, long time Sigma star & acclaimed Scottish actor James Cosmo as The Priest, the beautiful and talented Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku as Marie, and making his motion picture debut is young Jake Wilson (12) in his first role, that of Danny. A joint Scottish and Irish production, this film is produced by Katie Holly of Blinder Films, and Sigma Films' very own Brian Coffey, with the ever fabulous Gillian Berrie as Executive Producer. Both are producers on the rise and this is good news indeed for this feature film.

Summary of the film is as follows:
Citadel tells the story of widower and single father Tommy Cowley, a man inflicted with chronic agoraphobia since the day his wife was attacked. He was unable to protect her. He lives in Edenstown, the council estate from hell. Here he finds himself terrorized by a gang of syringe wielding feral children, who are intent on taking his baby daughter. With the help of a kind Nurse and a renegade Priest, Tommy learns the nightmarish truth surrounding these hooded children. He also learns that to be free of his fears, he must finally face the demons of his past and enter the one place he fears the most - The abandoned Tower block known as the Citadel..

Shooting on Citadel is now officially underway, with three weeks ahead RIGHT NOW in Glasgow and one week in Dublin. Citadel is based out of FILM CITY GLASGOW. Citadel is backed from the fine folks at the Irish Film Board and Creative Scotland.
Other Info:
*Citadel will be shot by Tim Fleming (Academy Award nominated Live action short The Door,) who filmed the most excellent (Academny Award winning) "Once" movie. Wow!!! Be sure to check out his demo reel here, well worth it I assure you!

*Wunmi Mosaku appeared in One Night in Emergency w/Jamie Sives and Kevin McKidd as the nurse too (save this factoid for points in the six degrees of Sigma Films game ;)

*ALL COMMENTS /REPORTS/PHOTOS WELCOME (annoy totally fine!) If you are so inclined PLEASE SEND IN YOUR PICS/UPDATES and I will be more than happy to post your reports for all us to enjoy!
Stay tuned, more Sigma goodness coming soon! :)

New Photo of Jamie Sives Seen in Entertainment Weekly

Here it is, our first look at Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel from the upcoming HBO series Game of Thrones!

This photo of Jamie-sporting longer hair and a close cropped beard reminding me of one of the three musketeers types lol very medival and good looking I think!- is one of a larger photo (also showing that Bean fellow lol and other cast members. These photos all are part of an exclusive preview contained in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. RUN GO BUY IT NOW, it's a wonderful collection of photos (plus more online) previewing the new HBO series where Jamie plays the role of the valiant captain Jory Cassel. Im thrilled to say the least to see our Jamie featured at last in a MAJOR publication like EW, just yay! HBO told WIC and Westeros that they will be releasing High res pics soon; can't wait for that! Thank you EW and HBO!
(Photo credit Helen Sloan/HBO/EW for full article, please purchase the magazine and check out the additional ones online)
UPDATE: Ran from Westeros.org says Jamie is wearing a wig for his role as the good Cap'n. Hmm well he can wear his hair long (see the pic of him for the Triage premiere in Spain, and has naturally curly hair as we all know (love!!!) but ok I guess, and he still looks mighty fine to me :D

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Jamie Sives at BIFA Nominations!

A few weeks ago, we learned that actor JAMIE SIVES (along with Sigma's own David Mackenzie) are on this year's British Independent Film Awards Jury. BIFA has just released some new video taken on the day of the announcement, and it includes a rare (and wonderful :D) interview with Jamie! WOOHOO! At the moment, its on the dread MSN player (which you can't embed alas alas) so click at this link, and around the 41 second mark.. for almost 20 glorious seconds (lol I know, but in terms of news video that's a good chunk of time) enjoy ENJOY the WONDERFUL LOVELY SIGHT AND SCOTTISH ACCENT of this terrific actor!
Im so chuffed lol dork I know, but there you go! :)
BONUS!!!You can also see TWO NEW PHOTOS of Jamie at the event in their galleries as well right here at this link.

In one final dose of new Jamie goodness, he was interviewed by Jason Solomons for his podcast (the enjoyable Film Weekly) where Jamie discusses the future of Independent film in the UK (it's not all bleak he says, noting the opportunities for overseas investors -hint readers see Sigma who have been doing this for ages-Jamie also makes a hilarious comment about taking pointers from his fellow BIFA Jury member Jason too. You can click here to the Guardian for the interview, or do as I did, and download this gem off iTunes or at the Guardian site ENJOY !
LOVE YOU JAMIE!! Now get crackin on those 30 plus films-we are all waiting for reviews teehee ;D

Now Available: Pre-Orders for "Monster Mutt" DVD with Alastair Mackenzie

As reported here many times previously, Sigma's own Alastair Mackenzie is a featured actor in the family film "Monster Mutt" from director Todd Tucker. That film, which screened recently at the London Children's Film Festival, is as we already know, being released on DVD in the US on January 4, 2011. Pre-orders for what seems to be a Walmart exclusive DVD can now be found at this link! Rated PG, this is a fun "horror" film about a dog, an experiment gone awry, and a cranky fussy neighbor played by our own Al (who sports some hilarious hair and white flip flops to boot lol) Go Al Go! :)

Game of Thrones Preview in Entertainment Weekly!

It begins! Thanks so much to Entertainment Weekly, there are now ten new photos of HBO's most anticipated "Game of Thrones" series now online. Excellent photos have to say! These, a preview article and more are in the new issue due on newsstands tomorrow, woot!

FINGERS CROSSED we will see our first look at some of the fabulous Scottish actors part of this massive cast SOON, including long time friends of Sigma-the wonderful Jamie Sives (Jory Cassel), James Cosmo (Old Bear-Jeor) and Kate Dickie (Lysa Arran.) Unlikely they will be included this go around though, or maybe Jamie is in the background on one -high res please!- but we can always hope! Anyway BRING IT ALL ON!
THANKS SO MUCH to Entertainment Weekly for sending over the news! :)

No official airdate for GoT has been yet released, but UK viewers will see it for sure (Sky ) as well as the always fab HBO and more. I know that Amazon and more have a March 22 release date set for the re-issue of Game of Thrones w/the HBO cover , and the publishers note this book is due to be out in conjunction with the pilot episode, so roll on Spring 2011! :)

Review of Donkeys at RBC, Plus Showing Dundee, Falkirk this week

There's a lovely review online tonight of the screening of Donkeys recently at the Robert Burns Centre, which also featured a Q & A session with director Morag Mckinnon. The author of the blog writes "With its well-handled mixture of tragedy and comedy, it brings to mind the Mike Leigh classic Secret and Lies. The success of this movie is in the truth of the character driven performances that are natural and totally believable. " You can also see some new photos of Morag at the event, so do check that out.

Donkeys continues their journey through Scotland, showing later this week at Cineworld Falkirk on the 11th, and Cineworld Dundee on the 12

BIFA Updates with Jury Pages for Sigma's David Mackenzie, Actor Jamie Sives

As noted previously, Sigma Films co-founder and director great David Mackenzie is on this year's British Independent Film Awards jury. Joining him is Scottish actor (and friend to Sigma) Jamie Sives. The website for the awards has now been updated to include pages for both these gentlemen. Although not much content, this page for David does list his impressive previous BIFA noms. UPDATE: David's page has now been lol updated :D Nice writeup, thank you BIFA

David Mackenzie first became noticed as a talent to watch with his debut feature, the experimental psych-road movie, The Last Great Wilderness, which premiered at the 2002 Edinburgh Film Festival. He followed this with the notorious thriller, Young Adam, starring Ewan McGregor, Emily Mortimer and Tilda Swinton, which won several awards including four Scottish BAFTAs and the Best British Film award at the Edinburgh Film Festival. David cast Ian McKellen and the late Natasha Richardson in his next feature – Asylum – which premiered in the 2005 Berlinale, where it won the Arthouse Guild award. His subsequent feature, Hallam Foe, starring Jamie Bell, premiered at the 2007 Berlinale, winning a Silver Bear and the Arthouse Guild award, before going on to win the Hitchcock D’Or at Dinard and gain six BIFA nominations and a Scottish BAFTA. David’s most recent work, the US feature, Spread, starring Ashton Kutcher, premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival ahead of a global release later that year.
David currently has two films in post-production: the music festival-set comedy, You Instead, and Perfect Sense, starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green. Both films are due for release in 2011.
David is a founder and director of Glasgow-based Sigma Films.


I LOVED the Jamie Sives page, detailed and nicely written, and (ok I cant help it sorry) includes the news I broke on Jamie's recent best actor award wheeeee! THANKS BIFA! :D

The BIFAs will be presented in London next month, 5 December.

Jamie Sives: "Triage" Renamed "Shell Shock" for UK DVD Release

Good news for UK Jamie Sives fans! While there appears to be no theatrical release imminent, the UK will be seeing Danis Tanovic's "Triage" in the near future. Now renamed "Shell Shock" (with an 18 rating) the film will be released in the UK on DVD February 28, 2011 with pre-orders now available at Play.com and Amazon.co.uk.

If you've not yet had the chance (or ordered the DVD from the UK or elsewhere -its out now in many countries, recently France and in Germany next year too), I do recommend it, esp for the bonus INTERVIEW with Jamie (which I'd upload but know sure as shooting it'd get removed. HES SOOO gracious tho about his co-stars, esp Colin, and a bit funny too. Plus he looks so very handsome in his sunglasses (and makes a funny comment too but I dont want to spoil it for yall)

Reminder: Colin Kennedy's "I Love Luci" Screening at AFT This Weekend

Just a reminder and recap today, especially that Colin Kennedy's I Love Luci is screening on TWO continents this weekend GO LUCI GO!

Luci is home land bound on the UK as it screens tonight at the Inverness Film Festival and the RBC
Luci is also screening in the US as it is in competition at the AFI tomorrow
GO LUCI GO!

Here is also a handy list of screenings for Sigma films Donkeys (and Luci is showing before many of these as well)
ROLL ON SIGMA! :)

Now thru 11 November: Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre

7 November: Apple Store, Glasgow 4:00-5:00pm Meet filmmakers!!!

8 November: Robert Burns Centre Dumfries, Morag Mckinnon Q & A afterwards 6:30pm

11 November: Cineworld Falkirk, 6:45pm

12 November: Cineworld Dundee, 6:45pm

12-November-17 November: Inverness Film Festival, Eden Court
TICKET INFO HERE

Colin Kennedy's I Love Luci to screen before Outcast 6 NOVEMBER Eden Court; ticket info here

Rumor Alert: A Perfect Sense for Sundance Festival and David Mackenzie

oooh here's an interesting report today...ION Cinema has their predictions for the 2011 Sundance Film Festival now online, and included their wish and hope that David Mackenzie's "Perfect Sense" starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green might debut at the vaunted event early next year. Quotage:
It used to go by another title, it looked pegged for a 2010 release, so there are big question marks with Perfect Sense. Logically a double dip in Sundance and Berlin would occur, but that depends on where David MacKenzie is at with his current project, In the Park. MacKenzie was actually in Park City in 2009 with Spread - the Ashton Kutcher sex dramedy. Will Sundance play host to a romantic drama featuring Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Connie Nielsen, Ewen Bremner, Stephen Dillane and Alastair Mackenzie? If so, we can expect a Premieres category announcement.

This oracle thinks that, while this is just a rumor and speculation, a turn at Sundance makes absolutely perfect sense oooh ;P for what is surely going to be an absolutely perfectly enjoyable film; what do you think?

Charity Auction Includes Autographed Photo of Jamie Sives

Speaking of charities, there is an auction currently underway for this autographed photo of actor Jamie Sives. Held by the 10GrandCharityChallenge, proceeds from this sale and all the others will benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital, which does so much to help very ill children. This has been verified by Jamie to be his, its the real deal, so be sure to bid as the auction runs now until 12 November. Good luck!

Close to the Heart: Jamie Sives and Charity to Learn About

Grief has a funny way of manifesting: silence, anger, laughter, tears, solitude, massive work, quiet loud, good, really bad darkness, can be slow to overcome, threaten to take you down or work its way out in unexpected manners. On this one year anniversary of the passing of my mother from ALS and dealing with another terminal illness in the family, it's been hard for me to want to look beyond my own self. However, there has been some light at the end of the tunnel, life is picking up somewhat, but sometimes, a reminder of others suffering and loss are what you need to help put things into perspective.

While actor Jamie Sives is one very busy man these days and we probably wont hear much from him in the near future, I was grateful to learn of a charity that is close to his heart and wanted to pass this along so maybe others can see what good can come out of loss. Sounds simplistic yes, and there are a whole host of good and deserving charities that deserve our attention and support, but perhaps you will consider this one-Eilidh Brown

Be warned though, for a beautiful bald-headed smiling face of a teenage girl who lost her battle against cancer will greet you when you click on that link. One smiling lovely face, full of joy and laughter and love, an image of a lovely light that is now gone far far too soon. I know we've all seen this same type of photo before (I know I have as a long time supporter of St Jude) and the words of her life and passing will touch your heart and still you might hesitate for the world is surely full of hurt and sorrow and pain. But please take time to read about the efforts of her family (her dad is actor Gordon Brown, who co-starred with Jamie Sives and Mads Mikkelsen in Valhalla Rising and w/Jamie in Sigma's Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself) and all friends from Stirling, Scotland the UK the world over who during this holiday season are efforting a memorial fund to help build a home for families to stay in to be near their loved one who is in treatment and battles this terrible terrible disease. You can hear more from Gordon and his wife here in this news story. Quotage:

We are not good at asking for things at the best of times, partly now because this is so close to us that rejection is hard to take. But we have this goal in sight. If people were to offer their help either through cash donations, donating items, or even their time and expertise we would be incredibly thankful.

“Our ultimate aim is to create a holiday home here in the Stirling area where young people and their families in similar situations can spend time together.

“But it’s not just about the holiday home, but also being able to provide them with everything they need while they are there, whether that’s a Playstation or a pass to a local tourist attraction.

“All our energy went into caring for Eilidh and her brother and sister over that period so we know the financial pressure that places on families. We don’t want these families to worry about any of that while they are here.”

Mum Nicole (37) added: “Eilidh was a wee darling. She was always more worried about everyone else than she ever was about herself, about how we were coping and especially her sister Hannah (12) and brother Lewis (10), who have gone through things themselves no child should ever experience...

We took so much when she was ill from a place called Calum’s Cabin, which is our inspiration for this.

“It’s easy for those of us who live in and around Stirling to forget what a picture postcard place it is. For other families – both here and from across the UK – who are going through difficult times, to get something from being here would be a great tribute to Eilidh.

“There’s lots to think about, and to be honest it’s pretty daunting and terrifying, but failure isn’t an option we can contemplate. For the people of Stirling to get behind this would be amazing.”

If you should like to help, you can do so via the website. Important: please note here is also to be a special memorial fund-raising concert held Sat 15 January 2011, 7:00PM - Tickets £25 at the Macroberts centre that will feature Billy Boyd (LoTr) and John Fratelli among others; more info here.

Thank you Jamie for passing along the info about this effort and as simplistic as it may seem, thanks for reminding me that to best heal a heart it is best served by helping others.

It Makes Perfect Sense: Theres a Bright 2011 ahead for Sigma Films!

Even though its only November, there are a few pieces of news today that bring glad tidings of all the cool things in store for fans of Sigma in 2011!

First and foremost: the roll out of Morag Mckinnon's acclaimed "Donkeys" throughout Scotland continues, and as as special bonus contest, you can now show proof you've seen the latest installment in the Advance Party series from Sigma, and win a chance to attend the UK premiere of David Mackenzie's forthcoming "Perfect Sense" (and even mingle with stars Ewan McGregor and Eva Green!) HOW COOL IS THIS?! very! Be sure to check my post below (or click here) for the remaining screening dates, and as noted by ReelScotland, take a photo of your ticket stub, and do one of the following:

• Logon to Facebook, tag the photograph as ‘Donkeys’ and ‘ReelScotland’ then post a shared link to all your friends on Facebook.
• Tweet the photograph to @reelscotland
• Or if you’re not a social networking fan, email the photograph to richard@reelscotland.com

...then cross your fingers! :) Without blabbing too much, I'm fairly certain Santa will be bringing us big news sooon on when Perfect Sense is launching and whatnot, so stay tuned! :) ho ho wheee!

Also Citadel is currently in early production phase now based at Film City Glasgow, with shooting due to start in a few weeks-more on that new film from producer Brian Coffey and director Ciaran Foy soon!

Sigma's own Colin Kennedy will be making his way to (a hopefully sunny and warm!) LA this weekend as his multi award-winning short film I LOVE LUCI is in competition at the AFI and will screen THIS WEEKEND, SUNDAY Nov 7 at 1:15
More info/tickets avail etc HERE.
Be sure to check out the Luci site here; Luci's official facebook page here.
If you are in the US/LA area and can attend, PLEASE DO for this film starring Colin Harris and Camila Rutherford is quite funny and lovely and you wont regret it! GO LUCI GO
Thoughts and love are with Colin this weekend!

While news has been errm erratic on this front *sigh*, Bankside films today (as seen in Screendaily) announced they have taken on David Mackenzie's other big new film due out next year too, now called "You Instead." I will have much much more on this soon, sorry thats the best I can do for now, but hang in there!

Finally, speaking of Bankside, Outcast (blogged about here previously and filmed in part in Scotland) will see a US release by the Indomina Group. No word when, but hopefully in 2011 too. Outcast stars the uber fantastic James Nesbitt, Kate Dickie (Donkeys, Red Road) and James Cosmo (kick-ass star of many many wonderful films including Sigma's current hit Donkeys).

"Monster Mutt" w/Alastair Mackenzie Due on DVD Jan 4

Monster Mutt, the family friendly 'horror' film featuring Sigma's own Alastair Mackenzie, will be heading to DVD shortly. After screening recently at the London Children's Film Festival over the weekend, there is news now the film will be released on DVD January 4th and is apparently a Walmart exclusive item. Updates to follow once this becomes available for pre-order etc.

Jamie Sives Wins "Best Actor" Award at Jean Carmet Festival

Another bit of good news today, as CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Jamie Sives who was named BEST ACTOR by jury award for his role in the short film Tremblay en-France recently at the Jean Carmet Festival! Way to go Jamie!

Jamie Sives and David Mackenzie Join 2010 British Independent Film Award Jury

Well here is double cool news to start the month off right: actor Jamie Sives (Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, Jory in upcoming Game of Thrones) and director (Sigma's own) David Mackenzie have joined the 2010 British Independent Film Awards Jury. These awards will be presented in London next month on the 5th at an event hosted by James Nesbitt at the Old Billingsgate. Fantastic news, and congrats to Jamie and David on this honor (hope you pick well too lol) Complete list of nominees can be found at this link.

UPDATE: Just got word that indeed Jamie Sives is very much planning on attending this event unless something crops up with a work commitment, so fingers toes crossed and double crossed we will get to see him there!