Today's Daily Bite features news on turmoil in the Portuguese film industry and plans to expand Britain's Pinewood Studios.
Pinewood Studios unveils expansion plans…. London-based Pinewood Studios has unveiled new plans to expand and redevelop its current site and has begun consultations with the local community, Variety reports. The studio was refused planning permission earlier this year for its €250m (£200m) Project Pinewood, which would have built extensive facilities next to the existing studio. Bosses at the studio are arguing that without major investment in its infrastructure, the studio cannot remain globally competitive over the next 20 years. Project Pinewood was met with strong opposition from local residents, notably because it included plans for new housing. However, it is understood those plans have been dropped from the latest proposals.
Portuguese film institute head resigns……Amid huge cuts in funding following the economic crisis in Portugal, Variety are reporting that Jose Pedro Ribeiro, president of the Portuguese film institute, ICA, has resigned. His departure follows that of his vice president Leonor Silveira earlier this month. ICA has had much of its funding sources cut due to falling TV advertising revenues as well as the economic crisis in Portugal.
Stereo D appoint new chief operating officer…. California-based 2D to 3D conversion company Stereo D has named Mike Gunter as Chief Operating Officer. Gunter is the former CFO and EVP Finance for Deluxe Entertainment Services Group. Stereo D’s work on 2D to 3D conversions includes ‘Avengers Assemble,’ ‘Titanic 3D’ and ‘Avatar.’
If you watch one trailer today…. Ahead of its Irish release next month, Ridley Scott and Irish actor Michael Fassbender discuss the making of ‘Prometheus’ in this featurette.
