Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 08:15 PM

I have today petitioned the manager of our theatre to think about putting the film on, and she has said she will have a look at the possibility... keeping my fingers crossed (but not necessarily believing) that we might be able to get it to Guildford .....

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 08:24 PM

Ralphie - Joanie/Ruth had already mentioned her intentions further up this thread ... keep up boy!!! But hey... totally agree with bombardment ... and I'll make a start tomorrow. Well done Sylvia for providing a quick short cut to finding the relevant email addresses etc ... anybody had any thoughts on particularly specific wording at all???

Just a rather wicked thought ... how about descending on the distributors' head offices en masse with bells, baldricks and sticks ... or maybe not - might have the immediately opposite effect!!!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Cat
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 09:16 AM

I've created a petition to gather names together of people supporting the morris film. The idea is that if we get loads of names we can hand them over to the film makers which will hopefully give them a bit of leverage with the distributors about getting the film shown more widely.

Don't know if it will work but worth a try!

Please forward to all your contacts!!

In the meantime Oxfolk ceilidhs are pursuing a showing in Oxfordshire via Moviola http://www.moviola.org/ who are showing the film in the SW.

Cat xx

http://petition.co.uk/we_want_the_morris_movie

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 10:48 AM

That's an excellent idea, Cat. I think I'll get one set up for the USA. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 11:58 AM

I am putting together a flyer to take to my sing around sessions and to email to friends.

I will also talk to Head of Heritage and Arts Service as she is on the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust.

I will ask around about who is best contact for Rochester Sweeps. Would be great if shown at Corn Exchange or someplace one or more of the evenings on that May Bank Holiday weekend.

Wow!!! What about on the side ot Rochester Castle just after dusk. On the Boley Hill side is a natural ampitheatre.

Maybe Leigh on Sea Festival too.

This is getting exciting.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 01:55 PM

I've signed Cat's petition

Kitty

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: DMcG
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 03:38 PM

Although I've signed, I wonder if these petitions can be counter-preductive. It's only a few hours old of course, but at the moment there's 23 signatures. Suppose it gets to 1000. Spread over 50-odd regions in the UK and two countries, that would not convince me that it was economically justified as no one county would get anywhere near filling even a small screening room for a single night. Having no petition at all, I'd have to guess and I might decide it was. So in some ways having no petition could make the chance of seeing it released better than having a petition signed by not-very-many.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Tradsinger
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 03:57 PM

Blue clicky thing to petition

http://petition.co.uk/we_want_the_morris_movie

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Tradsinger
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 06:46 PM

Only 33 signatures to date! Come on, sign up. This may be a one-off opportunity to get morris into the cinema.

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: SylviaN
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 07:46 PM

Petition signed. Now to get the message out.

Sylvia

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 08:02 PM

Is it going to be shown at Wimborne festival?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 10:02 PM

DMcG, the usual rule of thumb with petitions, that I've always heard, is that for every one who signs, "they" figure there are another one thousand who probably agree.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 10:38 PM

I went to www.thepetitionsite.com and started to do a petition, but it is a lot more involved than I thought it would be; not just starting it, but monitoring and delivering once it is done. I don't have the time or knowledge of Morris enough to do it. I will add my support but cannot take it on right now. My apologies. I hope, since the film producer said there are more Morris teams in the USA than the UK, that someone over here will do one. In the meantime, I will make some media and theatre contacts, locally.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Woody
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 05:15 AM

I've posted a message to the Chippenham FF organisers to see if they'd be interested in showing the film.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 10:40 AM

There's 98 so far, and I've emailed the link to quite a few people.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 02:59 PM

I emailed from the film website asking about DVD release as there's not a cinema anywhere near me showing it. I received this response:

Dear Ian

We can't show the film on DVD until it has had proper distribution, I'm afraid. However, we would love to show the film near to you. We'd love to show it all over the country, but it isn't up to us. We'd like to get it into mainstream cinemas so that everyone can see it. For that, we need the distributors who passed on it before Christmas to realise they made a mistake.

You probably know this, but distributors are the people who flash up in the credits before the film - Icon, Lionsgate, Revolver, etc. They all saw the film, loved it, but were worried there was no audience for it. They would think again if they could see my inbox which is groaning with requests from all over the world...

We made the film for people just like you. People who are generally ignored by the media. We need you to make noise en masse to cinemas and distributors and let them know there is an audience for the film. That way, we can roll it our across the country, even the world. The incredible Cat Moore has started an e-petition you may want to sign

http://petition.co.uk/we_want_the_morris_movie


In any event, thank you for the passion shown for our film, your film.

All best wishes

Lucy

LUCY AKHURST
Producer

Please sign the petition if you haven't already done so.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 08:56 AM

I received the following response from Phillip Walkley of Moviola (who are showing it in the West Country) today.

"Dear Terry
Following my colleagues response to you a few days ago, have forwarded your email to the film's makers in London to see if they have any Kent plans. Also we do programme films for Screen on Sheppey (at Sheerness Leisure Centre) Maybe you could contact them and see if they have plans to book the film through us?
Kevin O Reilly Sheppey HLC Sheppey Leisure, Off Broadway Sheerness ME12 1HH 01795 583547 [e-mail] "

Whilst this is possibly the start of better news, Sheerness (and with due respect to anyone on the Isle of Sheppey) is not exactly the centre of Morris activity in Kent. If however someone on the Island feels they can whip up enough local support for the film to be shown there I would encourage them to make contact direct with the Leisure Centre.

Terry

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 03:18 PM

I added my details to the petition.

I created flyer including details and web addresses for the film, this thread, the film distributers and the petition.

I dropped some flyers off at session in Kent yesterday afternoon.

I have emailed my folk club organiser in Essex and sent him the flyer.

I have gotten the phone number for the Rochester Sweeps organiser from Medway Council.

My boss at Essex Heritage and Arts, has put me onto Screen East. She says this is exactly the kind of stuff they like to support.

I don't even do Morris Dance. How bizarre is that?

Make Morris Happen!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: High Hopes (inactive)
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 03:49 PM

It's quite funny, but as for wide distribution, that simply isn't going to happen. The film is definitely minority taste

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 04:39 PM

I have sent the link to this thread to a film distributor friend.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 05:38 AM

I have sent a link to my local arts centre here in Co.Clare:

http://www.glor.ie/About%20Us/_default.htm

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 05:38 AM

Sorry, that was me!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Julie Dawson
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 04:57 PM

This film will hopefully bring a large audience in to support this
wonderful tradition.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 09:30 PM

The pressure's building:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbradio2/F2142825?thread=6252540

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Bainbo
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 04:41 AM

I emailed Newcastle's arthouse cinema, the Tyneside, last weekend, saying I was sure there would be a demand for it, and asking if they had any plans to show it. As yet they still haven't responded.

If anyone else in North East England wants to try their luck,you can get in touch with them here.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 11:10 AM

Just e-mailed the Broadway in Nottingham.

Not much point trying Odeon or Vue, Tom Cruise isn't in it as far as I know!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 11:22 AM

My boss - Head of Heritage and Arts at ECC mentioned the Morris movie at East Anglian Traditional Music Trust meeting. They are aware and very keen to get film shown in East Anglia I am now in touch with named person at the EA Music Trust.

Also been in touch with person who used to be very involved with Maldon Morris. Hopefully he can forward information along to other Essex groups.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Woody
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 02:04 PM

I got this on the email news today from the film company...


[i]
Dear Morris Fans

BBC Breakfast will be at Fordingbridge tonight to cover the screening. Those of you who can get down there to make as much noise as possible please do. You can meet the film makers and ask us anything you want.

Lets make Fordingbridge the Hollywood of Hampshire!

Lucy

Twist Films
[/i]

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Peter Elbro
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 02:47 PM

I'm the Treasurer at Fordingbridge Entertainments Society where we showed the film yesterday (30th Jan) in association with Moviola (moviola.org) and we had a capacity audience of 150 and even had to turn people away from the door. The last time this happened was for Mamma Mia. In the four years we have been showing films we have never had such a happy and delighted audience and we were also given an short, impromptu performance by the Bourne River Morris (thanks guys - you were a real hit) before the event. After the film Lucy Ackhurst (Director) and Charles Oldham (Derecq Twist) made a surprise appearance and the audience applauded them for so long I thought they would never stop. A BBC film crew turned up shoot film for a two minute slot sometime between 6-9am on the BBC1 Breakfast show on Tuesday 3rd February. We also had Southern Radio recording loads of interviews before and after the film. I really hope this film goes to the national cinema chains because it really deserves it. Good luck to you Lucy and the rest of you.

Peter

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 07:21 PM

I watched this tonight - it's bloody hilarious. Very much in the mold of films like "Best in Show" or "A Mighty Wind" - more laugh-out-loud moments than I ever expected. Seriously, do see it if you get the chance.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: AlexB
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 10:12 PM

Was there at Fordingbridge t'other night. There was a lot of good footage of Bourne River taken and a few interviews with the audience about what draws them to the morris. Shall be interesting to see what makes it into Tuesday's BBC Breakfast show.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 04:45 PM

It was a very enjoyable film, enjoyed enormously by the public despite its apparent "niche" content.
I will be looking to see it again, I think it has more to give. The humour wasn't "in your face" but there was lots of it.

Wish I'd known you were there, Ruth, I'd have said hello.

Malcolm

BRM

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: SylviaN
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 08:01 PM

The news about the BBC film crew being at Fordingbridge is great - all helps in the promotion of the film.

Cheers

Sylvia

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 04:49 AM

Unfortnately I have not yet been able to see the film but have received or read reports from various people who have. Of those, some think that it is amusing and entertaining whilst others claim it is boring and portrays the Morris in poor light. Two very opposing views.
What is the opinion of Mudcaters who have seen it?
Terry

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: lady penelope
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 03:30 PM

I'd love to know where to see it!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 05:32 AM

Apparently the Beeb Breakfast report from Fordingbridge has been put off until next Tuesday.
Time range 0600 - 0915.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 11:28 AM

Malcolm, I wasn't there - I saw a review DVD.

(which Malcolm are you?)

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 12:09 PM

From: Ruth Archer
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 11:28 AM

> Malcolm, I wasn't there - I saw a review DVD.

Don't tell anyone that - people will go to enormous lengths to get their hands on one! Or so I'm told, anyway.

(which Malcolm are you?)

We haven't met (to my knowledge, anyway) but have brushed against one another briefly on line. Mostly due to me confusing you with other people.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 12:15 PM

Lady Penelope said:

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: lady penelope
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 03:30 PM

I'd love to know where to see it!

------------------------------

The link to where it's being shown is:

http://www.moviola.org/

But it's nearly all at small venues in southern/SW England.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 12:48 PM

Hi Malcolm,

My partner, whose review copy it is, is scrupulous to a fault, so it will definitely not be going anywhere it shouldn't! I'd love to see the film again in a cinema.

Derecq Twist, the lead character, reminded me a bit of Gareth from The Office.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,William Shakespeare
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 01:09 PM

Much Ado About Nothing

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 03:30 AM

They showed the BBC report this morning and it's supposed to be on again this morning at 8.45am on Breakfast

I reckon one way to get the message over that we'd like the film on wider release would be to text or e-mail bbc breakfast

Sue

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 03:51 AM

No - not been on yet 8.50 gmt

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 03:52 AM

Just sent BBC Breakfast and email including links to this thread, Facebook group and the petition.

Still doing my bit to Make Morris Happen!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 04:23 AM

I just caught it before nine, but only because my friend rang and told me! I didn't think they were showing it till next week.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 05:00 AM

Saw it just before 8am this morning. Quite an upbeat report.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Cat
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 07:20 AM

The Oxford Mail is doing a piece on this, and the reporter would like quotes from people who'd like to see the film - his name is George Hamilton and he's on 01865 327432.

If you're a morris dancer / morris fan and preferably are from Oxfordshire or nearby and would like to be quoted in the Oxford Mail can you give him a ring today?

Cat x

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Cat
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 07:32 AM

Oops..... I've just realised I've got the phone number wrong ;o) (Sits in the corner with a dunces cap on!)

It's 01865 425423

Double checked ;o)

Cat x

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: GUEST,Surreysinger.... at work
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 07:43 AM

Oh poo!!! The film company emailed people and said it was going to be on on Monday ... if I'd known I'd have set the recorder on to record it....doh!! boo! hiss! and similar comments.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On
From: Willa
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 08:07 AM

Coverage coming on BBC1 lunchtime news now.