films – devizine.com

You know, there’s umpteen articles, studies, and even a six and half minute YouTube video explaining that Steven Spielberg’s 1993 family sci-fi movie Jurassic Park is scientifically impossible. Killjoys! Don’t waste your time on the obvious….

None of them even touches on the one vital poin; no one cares that no viable dinosaur genetic material remains on Earth because that’s entirely missing the point!

The purpose of sci-fi, fantasy, fairytales, are to entertain, and the very fact they’re illogical and impossible is what makes them so fantastic, as in fantastical, as in fantasy. All you need to know is dinosaurs are coming to Hillworth Park on Saturday, 12th September. Roar!

Don’t be a Malcolm, who said in the film, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should,” just picture this…

It’s a September evening in Hillworth Park. The sun is setting, you’re surrounded by your favourite people, wrapped up under a cosy blanket, with a crisp cold drink in hand, a hot dog or burger to enjoy, and popcorn by your side……and then the roar of dinosaurs echoes beneath the stars, as Jurassic Park comes to life on the big screen.

This is the definitive version, the original Jurassic Park, groundbreaking in CGI, premiering just months before Dolly the sheep was cloned and the world wondered of the possibilities. This film pushed those boundaries to the fantastical and did it in such a way that it thrilled all ages.

“This isn’t just a film night,” Hillworth Park says, “it’s a chance to experience the magic of cinema in the heart of Hillworth Park, under the stars.”

The first Twilight Cinema at Hillworth Park in Devizes took place in 2019, and there has been a total of five screenings to date, with the 2020 and 2025 events unfortunately being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Civic & Community Engagement Manager for Devizes Town Council, Cherry-Rosalind Cullen explained how they chose the film. “The public were invited to vote on which film they would like to see, and we had a total of 8 films to choose from. The result was neck and neck between Jurassic Park and Dirty Dancing. As it was tied, we held an additional poll to determine the winner.”

“For our Twilight Cinema events, we have always given the public the opportunity to choose the film.”

A wise choice, public! Sure, I love science, but I love dinosaurs more!! Don’t miss out – tickets are limited! Book HERE!

The second feature film for director Keith Wilhelm Kopp and writer Laurence Guy, First Christmas enters development, to be produced by Shropshire-based production company, Ask Seek Knock. We sent our Helen to the press screening of their award-winning first film, Translations, here’s what she thought…..

First Christmas is set to be filmed in Shropshire, with a primarily West Midlands based crew. The film is to be associate produced by West Midlands-based Emily DeJesus and Adam Fray. The synopsis, “a widowed man invites his three grown up children and their families for Christmas, in the hope that they stitch their fractured family back together.”

Luke Allen is a renowned young producer with a solid track record of short form productions. He is the writer and executive producer of Something Sketchy, a sketch show pilot, having previously worked as production manager on the heavily anticipated pilot Henry House (starring Peter Purves, Annette Badland and Mark Lewis Jones) and in other production office roles on the upcoming features Bjorn of the Dead (dir. Sara Sugarman, starring Ralph Brown and Amelia Eve) and Reckless (dir. Elliott Montello, starring Scott Adkins & Vinnie Jones). Luke’s short form credits include the drama Weightless Words and the darkly comic Got Your Nose, which recently screened at Raindance Festival.

Luke is set to make his feature film producing debut with First Christmas. He said, “when Keith approached me to produce this, it was an instant yes as I had so much fun working with him for a couple of days on Something Sketchy. Once I read Laurence’s beautiful script, I knew I had made the right decision – it’s an honour to be onboard and I can’t wait to bring this story to life!”

Laurence Guy is an award-winning Screenwriter, who has worked in collaboration with Keith Kopp on several films that have played in festivals around the world, as well as streaming online (SkyTV and Amazon Prime). Laurence’s play, ‘ZORIC’, was longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize in 2022, and his debut feature film ‘Translations’ won best screenplay at the Riverside International Film Festival, before gaining UK distribution in the summer of 2023. Laurence is represented by Steven Russell at Collective Talent.

Laurence stated that, “I’m really excited to be working with ASK on Keith and my second feature, First Christmas. After the success of Translations it felt like a natural step to bring this ensemble comedy drama to life in a way that I know audiences will love. It’s a real actor’s script, with character and heart at the centre of the story, that centres on a family brought together over Christmas after the death of the matriarch of the family.”

Keith Wilhelm Kopp is an award-winning film Director whose works have screened in festivals globally (Encounters FF, Belfast FF and Portland FF) and has had TV broadcast in the UK. His debut feature film Translations has received rave reviews and had a theatrical release in 20 UK cinemas. He is interested in films about redemption, transformation, and family dynamics. Keith is a BAFTA connect member.

Kopp said, “I look forward to bringing First Christmas alive because of the universality of families coming together during the holidays, overcoming their hardships and rediscovering the joy of spending time with people who know the joy and complexity of each other. This film has a lot of humour and humanity and I know there is a wide audience who will really engage with the story. I am especially excited to shoot First Christmas in Shropshire, a location that is wealthy in history and picturesque landscapes.”

First Christmas is currently in development and available for investment and sponsorship conversations. For more information, contact Luke on luke@askseekknock.co.uk