News that Eric might appreciate:
Ben Wheatley’s A Field in England – the first feature film commissioned by Film4.0 – will be the first ever film to be released in UK cinemas, on freeview TV, on DVD and on Video-on-Demand on the same day – with Film4, Picturehouse Entertainment, 4DVD and Film4 Channel partnering for this innovative watch-it-where-you-want experiment on Friday 5th July. The film is one of the first to receive funding from the BFI’s New Models Distribution Fund strand, which was recently set up to support experimental and ambitious release models.
The unique release will give audiences and fans of Ben’s previous films (Down Terrace, Kill List, Sightseers) the choice of how and where to experience his brilliant new psychedelic trip into magic and madness – whether it’s amidst an audience in the cinema, followed by a satellite Q&A with Ben and the cast; delving into multiple extras on a special edition DVD; from the comfort of the sofa showcased with a director’s intro and interview on TV; or the freedom to watch when they want on VoD. Particularly intrepid film fans can also follow in the footsteps of the film’s characters, with screenings planned in a field (or few) in England across the summer.
It will be interesting to see how this block release works.
England during the English Civil War. A small group of deserters flee from a raging battle through an overgrown field. They are captured by two men: O’Neil and Cutler. O’Neil (Michael Smiley), an alchemist, forces the group to aid him in his search to find a hidden treasure that he believes is buried in the field. Crossing a vast mushroom circle, which provides their first meal, the group quickly descend into a chaos of arguments, fighting and paranoia, and, as it becomes clear that the treasure might be something other than gold, they slowly become victim to the terrifying energies trapped inside the field.
A Field in England is the first feature to be developed and fully financed through the innovation hub Film4.0, and was conceived as a film which would be funded, shot, edited and distributed in a way that challenges traditional models and sets out to break the mould. A digital masterclass designed to immerse audiences in the making of the film will also launch around release, developed by Film4.0 in partnership with the filmmakers. Through behind-the-scenes interviews, on-set videos, and unseen rushes, Ben Wheatley, cast and key crew will take the audience on a unique journey through the creative choices that determined the final cut.
