Tag Archives: Leoni kibbey

The Extra-terrestrial Film Festival: The St Albans Film Festival Returns

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The Extra-terrestrial Film Festival The St Albans Film Festival ReturnsA “Secret Cinema” experience, films in the park after dark, and a swim-in cinema are planned for St Albans 3rd Film Festival which will be out of this world
 
 Visitors to the St Albans Film Festival will have the opportunity to take part in a ‘Secret Cinema’ experience when the Odyssey cinema holds an immersive Space film event on opening night, 1 May.
The Extra-terrestrial Film Festival The St Albans Film Festival Returns leoni
 
Leoni Kibbey says that the event will bring some surprise and excitement to the opening night.  “I am a huge fan of the ‘Secret Cinema’ phenomenon, she says, “and wanted to bring a bit of that fun to the film festival.  This is different to the usual secret events as the location and time is known beforehand, but the film itself is being kept under wraps.   We may release some clues nearer to the day though, and it is definitely a film in line with our Space theme, so we are definitely inviting people to dress accordingly!”
 
Since 2013 the St Albans Film Festival has earned its place alongside the bigger international film festivals, gaining credibility by attracting over 1,000 entries from filmmakers from 40 countries into its short film competition, and also securing Christiane Kubrick, widow of film directing legend Stanley Kubrick, who lived and worked in the area, as its Patron.
The Extra-terrestrial Film Festival The St Albans Film Festival Returnsfightingcockspub
 
The Festival – which has taken Space as its theme this year, coinciding with the centenary of Einstein’s general theory of relativity (gravity), and also the current general release of The Theory of Everything; the Golden Globe winning movie about the famous scientist and space expert, Stephen Hawking, who hails from St Albans – is holding its grand launch event and closing awards ceremony at the recently restored Odyssey cinema, which first opened in 1908. This was one of the first cinemas to open in the country.
 
Other firsts for this year’s film festival include a pop-up cinema at the country’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which will be screening Alien on 29th April and Aliens on 30th April, in the garden, with a barbecue as part of the ticket price of £12. Landlord Christo Tofalli says: “To my knowledge, this is the first time in the pub’s 1,222 year history that it has turned into a cinema!”  Tickets are selling fast so visit the film festival website to buy yours.
The Extra-terrestrial Film Festival The St Albans Film Festival Returnsstage
 
The festival team will also be managing a central ‘hub’ based at another historic building: the St Albans Town Hall, a Georgian Grade ll listed building which has received funding from the HLF to be transformed into an exceptional new museum and gallery of national and international significance in 2017.  The Town Hall will hold the official screenings of the finalists in the short film competition, and run a selected number of events about filmmaking.
 
Just a short drive from St Albans is Bayfordbury Observatory: the University of Hertfordshire’s astronomical and atmospheric physics remote sensing observatory, and one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK. The centre opens its doors to the film festival on Saturday for an exciting evening for ages 8+ which includes a talk on ‘Space and Astronomy in Films: the Facts and the Fiction’ and an HD planetarium show, followed by a visit to their telescopes with live observations.
 
Don your pointy ears and Trekkie gear in homage to the late Leonard Nimoy (Spock) as The Maltings Arts Theatre invite you to startrek across the universe with Spock, Kirk and the rest of the crew of the Starship Enterprise as they host a trilogy of the first star trek films from the ‘70s & ‘80s.
 
Take a trip to Westminster Lodge’s Alien Day on Saturday 1st May as they once again open their Swim-in cinema, with family film ‘Monsters Vs  Aliens’ in the day and, for ages 18+, Alien Resurrection with the famous underwater scene, in the evening.  
 
Film & Media Students from Oaklands College on Hatfield Road host a packed weekend of events inspired by Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. All events are completely free and suitable for all ages – including workshops and a chance to try out professional film equipment, Odyssey, film quizzes, lectures, indie screenings and lots more.
 
One of the coolest events at the festival and not to be missed is the stunning screening of new indie feature ‘Always in the Present’ the debut feature from Writer and Director Oliver Guy-Watkins. This exclusive screening will include a live score by French band Metropolitan Parc and screens in the afternoon on the Saturday.
  
Warren Bacci, director of Top Talent Agency, based in St Albans, and judge for Best Actor award, says: “We really recommend visitors see at least one of the short film category screenings, as showcasing filmmaking talent is at the heart of the festival.  In previous years, the festival has discovered exciting new talent in filmmaking internationally, as well as recognising acting talent such as Luke Treadaway, who won Best Actor at the festival last year.”
Some of the stars of this year’s eclectic mix of short films include: Cillian Murphy, Ricky Tomlinson, A BAFTA winner, A Disney Animator, A Gay Rugby Team and the band Enter Shikari.  Audience members will get to meet the best up and coming filmmakers as each screening has a Q&A session after and this year introduces the audience vote, which count towards the final voting score and winners are announced at the closing awards ceremony at The Odyssey cinema on the Sunday evening.
Leoni Kibbey, festival director, says: “I am so excited about this year’s theme – so look out for all the added extras we are known for  – see the city taken over by aliens and spacemen for one weekend. In our first three years, we have established a reputation for putting on an innovative and ambitious programme of events and this year we have taken a giant leap forward and let the local residents and businesses take more ownership of their festival by putting on more of their own events and initiatives to celebrate film.
 
 “Edinburgh Festival started small with one person’s idea and now thousands of productions and events take place around Edinburgh. I would love to bring a slice of that kind of energy to our city, which was itself at the forefront of modern filmmaking and cinemas a hundred years ago and see the festival grow for years to come.”
 
Tickets to the secret cinema event are available direct from the Odyssey box office, and tickets for all other film festival events are available now from www.stalbansfilmfestival.co.uk, and from the box office, which is now open at the old court rooms in the Town Hall.
 

St Albans’ first ever Film Festival hopes to reel in the next Kubrick

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St Albans’ first ever Film Festival hopes to reel in the next Kubrick
St Albans will be hosting its first annual film festival from 8th– 10th March 2013.
The Festival programme will feature talks, workshops, parties and a short-film competition, with thousands of pounds up for grabs. The festival is already attracting interest from around the globe. Filmmakers from as far as Australia, Singapore,
Greece & USA have submitted their work along with entries from around the UK.
The festival is currently OPEN for submissions until the end of December 2012 and Filmmakers of any age
(including children filmmakers) can enter their short film into one or more of six categories:
Main Short Film – Top quality, slick shorts.
Student Film – Made by a student of any age from 5 to 95. We will be splitting this award in 2 and giving a prize
to the best child filmmaker and one to the best over age 16 filmmaker.
Music Video – Any Music Genre accepted.
Documentary – inspiring short docs
Children’s Film – U Certificate films for family audiences. Eg: Animations!
Over 18s Films – Something for the grown-ups! Horror, Erotica, War etc..
The city’s Roman heritage has made St Albans a popular location with film-makers, directors and actors. It is
just 20mins by train from London and close to some of the most prestigious film studios in the
world: Pinewood (Superman, James Bond); Elstree (Star Wars, Indiana Jones); and also Leavesden (Harry
Potter). Tom Cruise is currently filming his new movie with Emily Blunt, All You Need is Kill, in the area, and,
as was widely reported, Cruise is so at home in St Albans he recently took his entourage with him when he
popped out for a curry at a local Indian restaurant!
St Albans’ rich film-making history goes way back. Arthur Melbourne-Cooper – the pioneer of moving pictures
– was born in the City, and the much celebrated film director Stanley Kubrick came to settle in the area, where
he created some of his most famous work. Kubrick’s manor was used as a nerve centre for his film
productions. The Shining was finished there, and Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut were started and
completed there.
Interested filmmakers can submit their work via the festival websitewww.stalbansfilmfestival.com and each
entry costs £20. Selected films will be showcased in the festival and the best film in each category will win a
cash prize of £500. There will also be a cash prize for the best performance by an actor or actress in the
festival, sponsored by Top Talent Acting Agency.
Festival Director, Leoni Kibbey, says: “I really want this festival to demonstrate how important St Albans has
been and is, in the UK film industry. It will encourage talented filmmakers in the area to make films and show
them to a live audience and will contribute to the cultural consciousness of this historic city. Both local
residents and visitors alike will get the chance to sample some exciting, original films, and we may even find
our new Kubrick! The Festival will put St Albans on the filmmaking map.”
More information regarding venues and judges will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The best thing that young filmmakers should do is to get hold of a camera and some film and
make a movie of any kind at all.” STANLEY KUBRICK

 

WIRELESS THEATRE COMPANY WIN SILVER OGLE AWARD FOR BEST FANTASY AUDIO PRODUCTION

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WIRELESS THEATRE COMPANY WINS THE SILVER OGLE AWARD FOR ‘BEST FANTASY AUDIO PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR’

The Wireless Theatre Company’s first-ever audio serial, ‘The Strange Case of Springheel’d
Jack’, is to receive the Silver Ogle Award for Best Fantasy Audio Production Of The Year, 2011.

Set in 1837, the first series in the on-going Springheel Saga follows the exploits of Jonah Smith, a
brilliant young police constable who finds himself investigating a series of mysterious attacks by a
devilish monster that stalks the streets of London. Having already been nominated for two Radio
Production Awards*, this fantasy serial has been a smash-hit with listeners all over the world
since it’s launch as a free download on the Wireless Theatre website last year.

“We’re thrilled and delighted. This news was the most awesome way to have started production on
our second Springheel’d Jack serial. This is for everyone involved, who all pushed themselves so
hard and made it something extra special. They’ve all been acknowledged in such wonderful style.
My thanks to the Mark Time judging panel,” said Jack Bowman (actor, co-writer, producer).
“It’s brilliant that Springheel’d Jack has been recognised. We’re so happy that all our hard work has
culminated in this award,” said Mariele Runacre Temple (producer).

“This project has been a labour of love for all of us, so it was a happy day and a great honour to
learn that The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack is to receive this wonderful award. I’m extremely
proud to have worked on such a great project with so many extraordinary people, and it’s going to
be a hell of a lot of fun converging on CONvergence and waving the flag for the Wireless Theatre
Company,” said Robert Valentine (co-writer, producer, director).

The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack was written by Robert Valentine and Gareth Parker**.

It stars Christopher Finney (Dead Ringers), Matthew Jure (the award-winning The Diary Of A
Madman), Jessica Dennis, David Benson (One Man, Two Guv’nors, The Scarifyers) and Julian
Glover (Games Of Thrones, Doctor Who, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Empire Strikes
Back), all leading a cast of over thirty actors.

Artwork is by Jamie Egerton. Casting was by Leoni Kibbey and Andrew Swann. Music was
composed and performed by Francesco Quadraroupolo.

It was edited and sound designed by Andrew Swann and produced by Jack Bowman, Mariele
Runacre Temple and Robert Valentine, and directed by Robert Valentine.

The Wireless Theatre Company has commissioned two further serials in The Springheel Saga;
The Legend of Springheel’d Jack, which has just concluded recording with it’s distinguished
guest star (see below), and The Secret of Springheel’d Jack, due to enter production in June.
All three episodes of The Strange Case Of Springheel’d Jack are available to download free via the
Wireless Theatre Company website, or on iTunes.

Listen to The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack as a free download here:
Episode One: STREAM / DOWNLOAD
Or on the Wireless Theatre Company’s iTunes page
.
Robert Valentine and Jack Bowman will be flying to Minneapolis, MN, USA, to collect the
award at CONvergence on July 5th, 2012 on behalf of the entire production team.

*Mariele Runacre Temple, Robert Valentine and Jack Bowman; Radio Academy Radio Production Awards, 2011,
nominated for Best Drama Producers (The Strange Case Of Springheel’d Jack). Jack Bowman; Radio Academy
Radio Production Awards, 2011, nominated Best Radio Creative.
**Gareth Parker is the pen-name of Jack Bowman.

NICHOLAS PARSONS JOINS ‘THE LEGEND OF SPRINGHEEL’D JACK’

Photo (left to right): Silas Hawkins, Josephine Timmins, Robert Valentine, Adam Hall, Jack Bowman, Mariele Runacre, Julian Temple, Nicholas Parsons, Sue Casanove.

Hot on the heels of Stephen Fry joining the Wireless Theatre Company last week, comes the
exciting news that radio legend Nicholas Parsons, currently celebrating the 45th anniversary of
‘Just A Minute’, has been in the studio to take a major guest-role in the next installment of their ongoing Springheel Saga, as well as taking a cameo role in We Are The BBC.

“A legend for The Legend! I couldn’t have been more thrilled to welcome Nicholas Parson into the
Springheel family,” said Jack Bowman (co-writer, producer). “While he’s the colossal figure that
has driven Just A Minute to the top of it’s game for 45 years – and think about that, to be top of
your game for 45 years – it’s been a delight to see him return to his roots as a dramatic actor.
Years ago he broke my heart as the doomed Reverend Wainwright opposite Sylvester McCoy in
Doctor Who. And here he is, joining the cause – and just in time – as the world of the Springheel
Saga is about to get darker, and far more dangerous…”

“For The Legend of Springheel’d Jack we’re incredibly lucky to have the great Nicholas Parsons
guest-star as Cuthbert Leach, a Victorian stage magician with more to his magic act than meets
the eye. It’s not every day that you get to work with a national treasure, and his performance is
quite simply spellbinding,” said Robert Valentine (co-writer, producer, director).
The Legend of Springheel’d Jack takes place in London, 1845, and sees the return of
Christopher Finney as Jonah Smith, now promoted through the police ranks to Detective
Inspector. When 13-year-old Maria Davis is brutally murdered in Folly Ditch – supposedly killed by
Springheel Jack himself – Smith leaps headlong into action. However, while still as obsessed as
ever, he has his doubts as to the true identity of the attacker, observing grimly, “Jack’s never killed
before…”

What connects the murder of this young pick-pocket to a travelling theatre troupe? Why has
Charlotte Fitzrandolph, played by the returning Jessica Dennis, finally come back? And can it be
true – has the infamous, unstoppable terror of London returned, with murder on his mind?
The Legend of Springheel Jack also features another epic cast that includes Nicholas Parsons
(Just A Minute), John Holden-White, Andrew Shepherd (ASC Random, currently directing A
Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Chelsea Theatre), Neil McCormack (Taggart), Josephine
Timmins, respected stage actor Jeremy Stockwell, Ashley MacGuire (Harry Potter, Coronation
Street, Dead Boss), Philip Lawrence (Action Figure Theatre), and Silas Hawkins and many
others.

It was produced by Jack Bowman, Mariele Runacre Temple and Robert Valentine, and directed by
Robert Valentine. The Legend of Springheel’d Jack is written by Robert Valentine and Gareth
Parker.

The Legend Of Springheel’d Jack will begin release via the Wireless Theatre Company website and iTunes from early 2013.

Meanwhile, casting has now begun on the final instalment of The Springheel Saga – The Secret
Of Springheel’d Jack.

One To Watch: Leoni Kibbey

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On Wednesday 5th of October I attended Short Film Premieres. A premiere of five short films at BAFTA; In the Can, Taken, Ellie, The Unknown and Bird Brain. The short films were well-acted, well-written, well-directed with very high production values.

 

All of the films had a running theme: Leoni Kibbey, she either acted, produced, wrote or cast them. She’s a one women film industry. She is Frost’s One To Watch this month not only because she is talented – the world is full of talented people who do nothing- but because she takes that talent and does something with it, she is one of the hardest working people I know, and she is a working mother! Frost also got a thank you on the Bird Brain credits – which proves Leoni is a classy lady.

 

I previously worked with Leoni on Love Tourettes, a comedy web series I am part of and Frost interviewed her last year. http://frostmagazine.com/archives/688

 

Check out Leoni’s IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3156365/

New Masterclasses Teach Actors To Be Their Best

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As an actor, continual training is important. So I have interviewed Paul Burton, Ronnie Le Drew and Leoni Kibbey who will both be doing masterclasses for pro active actors at the famous Elstree Studios.

Paul Burton

1) Tell me about the Masterclasses

There are currently four masterclasses scheduled and each one is being held at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG

Actress, filmmaker and film & TV casting director, Leoni Kibbey, is taking an initial three masterclasses. They are:

Leoni Kibbey – Masterclass For Actresses:

Date: Monday 23rd May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: An enjoyable and intensive one-day masterclass for actresses aged 18+ only! This will be a chance for you to gain valuable industry advice, practise your audition technique and hone your screen acting skills. You should come away with a better understanding of the industry and how to market yourself and increase your chances of being cast. It will be a fun and practical day and there will be opportunities to practise your acting skills and receive constructive feedback in a positive environment.

Leoni Kibbey – Screen Acting Masterclass:

Date: Tuesday 24th May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ with lots of opportunities to practise your screening acting skills using a full-range of film, TV and commercial scripts. This will be a very practical masterclass where you will learn by ‘doing’ as well as watching your fellow classmates. Techniques, terminology and other useful advise to help further your career as a screen actor or actress will all be included as part of the day.

Leoni Kibbey – Audition Masterclass:

Date: Thursday 9th June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ where you will learn about the different types of audition. You will also find out the best way to apply for a job and gain an understanding of how agents and casting directors deal with applications. The day will also educate you on what to expect at an audition and how to improve your skills and confidence.

Each of Leoni’s masterclasses costs just £55 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

Meanwhile, former Rainbow puppeteer, Ronnie Le Drew, will be running a special one-day masterclass on Friday 3rd June 2011. This will be a chance for any aged 18+ to learn more about the art of puppetry.

Ronnie Le Drew – Puppetry Masterclass:

Date: Friday 3rd June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: Set to be taken by puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew (best-known for having operated Zippy in the Thames TV children’s show, Rainbow), this special one-day masterclass will include an opportunity to operate glove puppets, rod puppets and marionette puppets and to explore the potential that each has to offer. The day will also include the showing of video clips from Ronnie’s theatre, film & TV career which spans forty years. There will also be time for a Q&A session. Set to take place at Elstree Studios where Ronnie worked on the Jim Henson film Labyrinth in 1986, this masterclass will be a unique opportunity for anyone aged 18+ to explore and find out more about the exciting world of puppets.

A place on Ronnie’s masterclass costs just £50 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

2) What’s your background?

Gosh, that could take hours to explain! I have twenty-two years of experience running a variety of my own theatre, film, TV and radio projects. I’m basically a self-employed writer, filmmaker and film & TV historian. You can found out more about me at: www.paulburton.org.uk

3) How important is it for actors to keep training?

I think it is very important. I personally believe each of the masterclasses which are holding will benefit actors and actresses (yes, despite being only 37, I am old fashioned and still use both titles!) a great deal. I think learning new skills is also essential in this industry. As a director I am always more impressed when I get an application for an actor or an actress who has shown to continue to take extra training and learn new skills post drama school. It shows that they are hardworking and serious about their careers in what is obviously a very competitive world.

4) Is it exciting to be at Elstree studios?

Yes, so many of my favouirte films have been made at the complex since 1924, so to be walking down the same corridors and using the same rooms and areas used by my favorite actors, actresses, producers and directors is a great thrill. I never tire of walking through the gates and entering the studios. And the management have been so supportive to me over the last few years.

The Masterclass Project – Website: www.themasterclassproject.org

To request further details and a booking form, please email Paul Burton: paulburton73@hotmail.co.uk

Leoni Kibbey

1) Tell me about the masterclass

I was really pleased to be asked by Paul Burton to teach on his masterclass sessions. He runs a variety of masterclasses for actors and actresses which are taken by experienced professionals from the world of theatre, film & television at Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire.

2) What will you be teaching at the masterclasses?

I am teaching 3 different day long courses – each day will be fun and practical, there will be lots of chances to perform and get involved. I am certainly more ‘get up and do’ than ‘sit down and listen’. One of the classes is a casting master-class just for women and then there are two for anyone age 18+ – a screen acting day and an audition technique day. I think having an understanding of the industry is as important as talent and these masterclasses will help develop both as well as give you an opportunity to practise your skills and receive honest constructive feedback.

I often run casting workshops which last just a couple of hours. I am looking forward to giving a more intense day long workshop as it gives the actors a chance to learn more and to totally immerse their day in the world of casting as well as for me to learn more about them as actors and actresses.

I think they are very good value and having lunch included is an added bonus. For full details on the courses go to the masterclass website: http://www.themasterclassproject.org/leonikibbey.htm

3) As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

It keeps your skills honed. It keeps you fresh as an actor. It allows you to make contacts and meet new people. I think a workshop session is a great way to learn because by watching others you also get a good measure of your own ability and what you may need to work on as well as learning from others.

4) How do you think the masterclasses will help people in their career.

It will give them a better awareness of the industry and how to approach work and auditions. It will give them pointers on how to improve their acting and I think any opportunity to meet a casting director is another step closer towards getting a job. In this relaxed, fun environment it will hopefully allow people to show the best of their talent throughout the day.

5) What is your background?

I trained as an actress at Mountview Theatre School, graduating in 1998. Since then I have worked as an actress, casting director and now producer. I am a busy multi-tasker and I understand all aspects of the industry and I enjoy passing that on in a workshop setting. I now regularly cast commercials and tv projects and feature films – including the multi-million pound feature film Shakespeare’s Daughter which I am about to begin casting.

Ronnie Le Drew

1.Tell me about the master-class

I was asked by Paul Burton to run a days master Class on Puppet
manipulation. we talked about how many students?,Time for Q and A and
an opportunity for showing clips from my professional work over many
years, all this and lunch too ! of course the answer was “yes”.

2. What will you be teaching at the master-classes?

The day will begin with a short introduction, and then straight
into the manipulation of Glove puppets, Rod puppets and Marionettes
(String puppets) each of the different kind of puppet requires a
individual skill. which I intend to pass on to the students. Learning
all this will take more than a days course, but I hope to leave
knowing that each student will have a knowledge of the basic
performance possibilities of each puppet.

3, As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

I am a puppeteer first with some acting skills, the benefits of
continual training are the same for both actor and puppeteer. Learning
new skills only enhances your knowledge and opens one’s eye’s to new
opportunities, which can only be a good thing for both an actor and
puppeteer one never stops learning, to do so will inhibit one’s
professional career.

4. How do you think the master-classes will help people in their career?

I hope to add to the actor/performer new skills which in today’s
theatre, film and television, is essential. Actor/performers are
regularly asked what else can you do other than act !

5.What is your background?

I started as an apprentice puppeteer at the Little Angel Theatre
way back in the 60’s and went on to work in Television Film For more
information do see my web page :-
www.ronnieledrew.com

6. What is your specialty?

My Specialty is performing, directing, and teaching Puppetry in
all it’s forms. It has been my profession for all my working career
and continues to give me tremendous pleasure.

“When Ronnie Met Zippy” the
utterly splendid biography of Ronnie Le Drew to be published march
2012.

Leoni Kibbey Finishes Short Film Bird Brain.

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In an highly competitive industry Leoni Kibbey is flying high indeed. She has a successful career as an actress, casting director and now, producer. Leoni just finished her short film Bird Brain.

Leoni Kibbey, age 35 from St Albans is a Casting Director and actress who is now producing her own movies. She has plans to make feature films but must first prove her talent with short movies. The first short she produced ‘Chasing’ was screened at the East End Film Festival and 2Days Laughter short film festival. Leoni’s work as Casting Director is flourishing… she is currently working on five feature films including Shakespeare’s Daughter a $25million feature for which she has interest from Renee Zellweger.

Bird Brain will be a steppingstone to producing her own feature films. Leoni knows it is all about the ability to pull together the best team around you and she has a fantastic crew attached and is now raising the funds to produce her movie to the best standard possible. The Director is Giles Greenwood whose last two short films were qualified for the Academy Awards and who is about to shoot his first feature – a thriller in Sri Lanka. Ilan Eshkeri is the composer on the film – he worked on the films Kick-Ass, Centurion, Layer-Cake & Stardust and the post production is being done by Ridley Scott’s Post Production House. A team which bring high hopes for the film winning awards at prestigious festivals!!

Leoni says: “I have always been in awe of the process of filmmaking. Over the last few years I’ve learned so much about the process with my casting & acting work and I feel ready and able to tell my own unique stories..our feathered friends have always held a special place in my life – I was lucky enough to be brought up around some beautiful wildlife in the lake district which is why, when I saw the first draft of the script Bird Brain written by co-writer Colin Moody, I saw a gem that could be developed into something quite special. It is no easy task to produce a film while bringing up two young daughters and continuing my casting work but this is one challenge I am very excited about. In the film world there are a lot of delays and I figured the best way to get ahead in this tough industry is to do it yourself!”

So what is the film about?
Bird Brain is a 20minute short film about a famous birdlife TV presenter and his wife. It is a thriller/film noir. It will be shot on the RED Camera to achieve a beautiful look. The script has received great praise. You can see the full synopsis and more info the film website. www.birdbrainmovie.com .

Would you like to invest?
Everyone can be involved. There are levels of investment from £6 to £10,000 and no matter how much you donate you will be a part of the film and get something in return.

Producer Leoni Kibbey is offering a part in the film or to be a crew member on the film for anyone who comes on board at associate or exec producer level as well as the opportunity to be involved in deciding which birds we feature in the movie. Other ways you can help are to share this article and campaign with anyone who you think may be able to help.

For more information and to find out how to donate email birdbrainmovie@gmail.com

Frosts interview with Leoni is here.

Actor Interviews: Leoni Kibbey

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Frost: How did you get into acting?

Leoni: I was blessed with creative, ambitious, intelligent parents and three siblings. As a family we loved to play games (card games/board games/puzzles/outdoor games/rounders). I guess acting is just an extension of my love of ‘playing’. My Mum is a jazz singer.  We lived for a while in the Lake District and used to watch her at Sunday lunchtime jazz shows, I was in awe. I was a bit of  a shy introverted child, Mum was a bit concerned until she came to see me sing in school and said I came alive. My first taste of theatre was in a local production of The Sound of Music at the age of 7 – playing Gretl, my audition was the speech at the end of Michael Jackson’s thriller “darkness falls across the land etc..” think they thought it was weird but cute. I adored the process then, the buzz of being backstage and being given the responsibility of learning lines. I wasn’t a ‘starlet’, even at a young age I took my work seriously as well as of course having a massive load of fun behind the scenes (Nothing changed there). I was always involved in local theatre groups growing up and after A-levels went to Mountview Theatre School. That was 12 years ago now. Tempus Fugit.

Frost: How do you manage to juggle a successful acting career with being a successful casting director?

Leoni: Let’s just say life is intense.  I work a LOT.. I like to be busy and I think my careers compliment each other and give me a good insight into the industry. I am a creative person as well as a business woman. In terms of how I mentally and physically manage it. The pressure can get to me, especially whilst trying to be the best Mum to my daughters. I do sometimes feel like I am working three full time jobs and have to keep a check on my physical and mental health and listen to when my body needs to rest. I try to squeeze in some exercise into my schedule and I take time out doing things I love & seeing people I love. Some people say there may come a point that I will have to choose between my careers but in the words of my Mother “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something” .. and right now both careers are working for me. The casting helps me provide a good life for me and my girls and any acting roles I take are a total bonus.

Frost: What do you love about your job?

Leoni: I am my own boss and can be in control of my own career and time. I get to be creative. I meet loads of lovely people. Every day is different. One of the directors I work with always brings a huge bag of Skittles to meetings…

Frost: Do you have any advice for actors?

Leoni: Never get bitter, particularly about your agent. Be proactive, be positive. Work very very very hard. Get a showreel. If you stop enjoying it then don’t do it.  Do email me but as I get hundreds of emails a week from actors I can’t usually reply but I do look at all emails.  Sounds cheesy but be true to yourself. Networking is great but don’t force things – best to be friendly than to seem desperate. You get out what you put back in. Always go with your gut instinct. Don’t get cosmetic surgery. Floss. Use Sunscreen.

Frost: Who is your inspiration?

Leoni: My Daughters, Mum, Sisters, Brother, Dad, Edith Piaf, Annie Lennox, Kathy Burke, Judi Dench, Lady Gaga (random selection of cool people) and all my closest friends and colleagues.

Frost: What’s next?

Leoni: I’m constantly asking myself that. I’ve been offered a nice acting role in the feature Jack The Ripper, Whitechapel 1888 playing Mrs Swanson, the lead detectives wife.  I’ve co-written a short film which I am trying to pull some funding together for. I’ve just booked myself a session to record a new voice reel, and I am casting commercials, a Channel4 shoot and several feature films at various stages of development . The most recent film  I have taken on is a feature adaptation of an award winning novel and I’m tying up casting for Sure Fire Hit, the British Action Movie with Chris Noth (Mr Big from Sex & The City). However I’ve just realised I’m taking my daughters on a much needed holiday to Disneyland Paris during the premiere of SATC2 so won’t be attending that!

Frost:Is it harder for women?

Leoni: YES. Mainly due to statistics of there being more women acting. But I don’t think about it because you can make up a thousand excuses for why your career isn’t going the way you want it to go.

Frost: What does your average day consist of?

Leoni: Wake up, give kids my full attention, get them ready for school, school run, pop to a morning exercise class, back to the office at home – calls, emails. Sending out offers, chasing agents. A client may call with a new breakdown for a commercial or stills shoot, or perhaps to discuss a new feature.  Send out the breakdown, Stick a load of washing in the machine, cuppa, snack, tidy myself up and dash into London for meetings, reading a script/answering emails on the blackberry while on the way to London,  meetings..  maybe a quick commercial casting as an actress, sometimes I’m back in time to collect the kids at 4pm and then take my business calls/send emails while making their tea..homework and then kids bath and bed – stories.. my favourite time of day when we relax and I get to read their favourite books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, back to the computer to review suggestions for my breakdown the calls to the US to chase offers on feature films, update my acting CV,  watch Glee, print off my short film script and make some edits, have a chat to some friends online/phone. (Or often I stay in London for showcases, screenings or networking events) .. plan the next day, play a bit of the latest Professor Layton on the DS or read a bit of my book and then crash.

Frost: Did having children affect your career in any way?

Leoni: Yes. In a very positive way. They gave me back my focus.