London, 10th March 2015: Green Door Pictures, Woodcut Media and Shine North today announced the release of Mandela, My Dad and Me, a 1×60’ feature documentary following Golden Globe winning actor Idris Elba on a journey of self-exploration.
In 2013, Elba produced and released mi Mandela, an album inspired by his time researching and portraying Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. The musical culture of South Africa was a great influence to him, both present day and historically, and connecting to the music Mr. Mandela would have listened to throughout his life was a great aid in Elba’s preparation for the role. Hence he decided to explore it further in his own creative output through his passion for music.
Arrangements were made to record the album in South Africa and Mali at the end of 2013, however, sadly just before Elba left, his father passed away, which even further inspired the music he and his fellow collaborators sought to create. While working simultaneously on the album and promoting his film, Elba had BAFTA award-winning director Daniel Vernon document his movements. The film they had originally intended to create was centred on the recording of the album, but has since evolved into something deeper due to the loss of his father and the personal journey through grief that Elba happened to be embarking on at that time.
Executive producers are Idris Elba and Nicholas Yearwood from Green Door Pictures, Derren Lawford from Woodcut Media, and Alex Connock and Rick Murray from Shine North and Jeremy Lee.
The film is co-financed by Green Door Pictures and media advisory firm Bob & Co. It will be distributed by Content Media.
Nicholas Yearwood, head of development from Green Door Pictures says: “Green Door Pictures are delighted with the results of almost a year of filming. Daniel Vernon’s film perfectly captures Idris’ personal and professional challenges, whilst he tackled arguably the most iconic and important role of his career.”
Derren Lawford, creative director from Woodcut Media says: “Daniel Vernon is an exceptional directing talent and his unprecedented access to a dramatic year in Idris Elba’s life made this a must for us. We’re thrilled to be supporting both Idris and Daniel in getting this emotionally moving film to as big an audience as possible.”
Alex Connock, managing director from Shine North adds: “What we love about this film is that it’s full on celebrity access – but without the sugar coating. It’s just real life; incredibly watchable, musical and moving. We’re delighted to have been involved in it across our slate of factual projects with Idris.”
**ENDS**
About Green Door Pictures:
Green Door Pictures is a Camden based Film & Television Production Company set up by award winning actor and producer Idris Elba.
About Woodcut Media:
With offices in London and Hampshire (UK), Woodcut Media specialises in the production of documentaries, specialist factual and factual entertainment, as well as lifestyle programming, providing innovative and entertaining programmes for UK and international broadcasters. Woodcut Media’s operations are spearheaded by leading doc producer Kate Beal, who over the years has established strong relations with key broadcasters such as A+E Networks, Discovery Networks, ITV, and UK TV, to mention just a few, as well as partnerships with leading distributors such as DRG, Content Media, Sky Vision, TCB Media Rights and Flame Distribution.
About Shine North:
Shine North is a producer of factual TV, part of the Endemol Shine Group. Amongst other projects, Shine North has an exclusive factual production deal with Idris Elba’s Green Door productions, and is currently co-producing a number of TV series for global broadcasters, starting with the Discovery International driving and racing series IDRIS ELBA: NO LIMITS. www.shinenorth.tv
About Bob & Co:
Bob & Co is the UK’s leading media advisory firm that provides guidance, fundraising, and investment in film, television and theatre projects. Using its expertise and extensive industry contacts, Bob & Co recognises the potential of content and has a proven track record of developing and funding individual theatre, film, and TV projects as well as investing in emerging media companies.
The firm was created in 2010 as a vehicle to connect media content to finance by Bob Benton. Having enjoyed a 30 year career in broking and investment banking, Bob transferred his expertise to the financing and producing of content. Bob is Chairman of the City Ship brokers, Clarkson, and a non-Executive Director of media companies SUMS Media, 40 Partners, and Q Pootle 5 Ltd.
Bob & Co’s executive director, Simon Flamank, specialises in advising media corporations and investors, with extensive experience in commissioning content, strategy, growth, acquisitions and divestments, and operational. www.bobandco.co.uk
About Content Media Corporation:
Content Media Corporation is a global entertainment media company based in London with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto, which owns and distributes a significant library of film, television and digital assets. Content Film, the film sales division, holds the rights to over 275 feature film titles and helps producers secure financing, marketing and distribution. The division also acquires top-tier documentaries. Content Television is the television sales division, which holds the library rights to 4,200 hours of TV programming incorporating major drama series, non-fiction entertainment, special event programming, kids’ series, TV movies and mini-series. Content Digital licenses over 300 hours of bespoke digital properties, in addition to the existing library, to digital media platforms worldwide, including on-demand, broadband and mobile.www.contentmediacorp.com
For more information please contact:
Franklin Rae
Shereene Witter:
+44 7979 511 483/ +44 203 011 1023
