Comic-Con Appearance for Irish Productions
Three Irish productions set for US release have made appearances at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
Kilkenny-based studio Cartoon Saloon previewed footage from Song of the Sea, the highly-anticipated follow-up to the Academy Award® nominated feature The Secret of Kells. Director Tomm Moore and producer Paul Young were present to promote the film which tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark upon a magical journey in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film draws inspiration from the Selkies of Irish folklore and features the voices of Brendan Gleeson and Fionnula Flanagan. Moore and Young also launched their new book Designing the Secret of Kells at Comic-Con, where they sold and signed copies. The film will be released in the US later this year.
Ivan Kavanagh’s atmospheric horror The Canal received a strong response at its special preview screening on July 25th. Described by ShockTillYouDrop.com as “one of the best horror movies of the year”, the film stars Rupert Evans as David, a film archivist who receives a reel of to-be-archived footage which shows that his house was the location of a brutal murder in 1902. As David becomes more unsettled and unhinged, he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. However he begins to believe there is a spectral presence in his home, and that something otherworldly was actually responsible. Badass Digest praised Kavanagh’s “fearless direction, creating an atmosphere of unflinching dread and, at times, flat-out nihilism.”
With the documentary Showrunners making its debut on July 26th, it has been announced that it will receive a theatrical and VOD release in the United States from October 31st. Directed by Dublin native Des Doyle with Wexford producer John Wallace, the documentary takes a look at the behind-the-scenes drama behind hit TV programmes and the strenuous work of the showrunners in charge. Not shy to emphasise the lack of glamour in such a role, the documentary features contributions from JJ Abrams (Alias), Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Damon Lindelof (Lost). Doyle was joined by Big Bang Theory showrunner Bill Prady and Mike Royce (Everybody Loves Raymond) for the Comic-Con appearance.
The three features have received backing from Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board and are due for release in the United States in the autumn. The 2014 San Diego Comic-Con took place from July 24-27.