23 January 2007
Eastbourne Borough Council together with The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and Screen South has secured a premier occasion for Eastbourne by showing an advanced screening of the feature film Notes on a Scandal. This is a huge success for the Council’s film liaison unit who worked extremely hard in 2005 to facilitate the filming in the town.
Councillor Ian Lucas, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, says “It’s a real privilege to be working with BAFTA and Screen South to get this prestigious occasion in Eastbourne. When filming was taking place here last year there was a real buzz in the town, and it’s now great to be able to celebrate seeing Eastbourne making an appearance on the big screen’.
Kam Kandola, Regional Programmer at BAFTA, says “We are delighted to be hosting a pre-release screening of Notes on a Scandal with Eastbourne Borough Council and Screen South. The BAFTA in the Regions programme is all about taking the very best film and programme making standards to as wide an audience as possible as well as celebrating and promoting excellence. We are looking forward to celebrating the filmmaking community in the Eastbourne region.”
Jo Nolan Chief Executive of Screen South, says “The film office in Eastbourne have proved excellent partners with Screen South in supporting regional production activity. We are delighted to celebrate their good work and look forward to another successful year.”
The Curzon Cinema will be the venue for the special screening on 1st February of this ticket only event. Lucky competition winners will also be able to experience the glitz and glamour of going to the first night of a film as almost 200 tickets are being given away. Notes on a Scandal stars Dame Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Bill Nighy.
Notes on a Scandal has been nominated at The Orange British Academy Film Awards, in the following categories: British film, Adapted Screenplay and Actress in a leading role for Dame Judi Dench. Dame Judi Dench was also nominated for a best actress Golden Globe award for her performance, as was Cate Blanchett for best supporting actress and Patrick Marber for best screenplay. The film is directed by award winning Richard Eyre.
Several scenes in the film were shot in Eastbourne during October 2005, including a private house opposite Fisherman’s Green, the Cavendish Hotel, Beachy Head and Eastbourne Pier.
Based on the novel by English author Zoe Hellier, which was shortlisted for the 2003 Man Booker Prize, Notes on a Scandal tells the story of Sheba Hart (Blanchett) who joins St. George's as the new art teacher, Barbara Covett (Dench) senses a kindred spirit, but Barbara is not the only one drawn to her. Sheba begins an illicit affair and Barbara becomes the keeper of her secret.
The British Academy Award is based on a design by Mitzi Cunliffe.
