She certainly was Belle of the Ball! English Actress Lily James gained international recognition as Lady Rose MacClare on Downton Abbey. But who would’ve known soon after she would land the Breakthrough Role of a lifetime, starring in the titular Character in Disney‘s ambitious live-action Adaptation of Cinderella?
This new Version of the Disney Classic gives us an elevated sense of romance between Ella (James) and her Prince (Richard Madden), heightened Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) – Stepsister (Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger) tension and a glimpse into the unfading optimism of Ella, whom despite adversity still chooses to surround herself with beauty. The tasteful CGI is jaw-dropping and this Kenneth Branagh creation is a total visual delight, never once forgetting the very heart of this beloved Tale.
The Red Carpet was filled with Fans and Media alike, all eager for a chance to see with James, an absolute vision in white. “I’m wearing Dior“, she tells me about her beautiful dress and clutch.
I ask James about what makes Cinderella so timeless in that it continues to resonate in a big way with Audiences today. She tells me, “I think at the heart of the story is the Underdog. The Girl that deserves everything but has nothing – but is rewarded.”. She adds, “You can get behind her and root for her. There’s so much heart to it”.
James tells me also the greatest thing she took away from her experience making Cinderella. She reveals how humbling it was to work with true Greats like Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter stating, “I learned so much, endless things from Helen and Cate.” “They’re strong Women – brilliant Actors and brilliant Human Beings.”. She also reveals that soon again she will collaborate with Kenneth Branagh, telling us “Yes, he is going to direct Richard Madden and me in Romeo & Juliet”. And after seeing this Remake you’ll understand exactly why the Thespian-Helmer is so eager to work with the Duo once again.
Tonight’s Premiere was none short on local star-power. Several Talent walked the Red Carpet in support of this timeless tale including Child Actor Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (The Book of Negroes) who scored a Photo Op with James after handing her a copy of the Book on which her TV Series is based upon, as a gift. Guests also included Sarah Allen (Remedy), Liz Trinnear (MuchMusic), Jeremy MacPherson (Game of Homes), Genelle Williams (Bitten), Peter Outerbridge (Murdoch Mysteries), Tammy Isbell (Bitten), Tommie-Amber Pirie (Pretend We’re Kissing), Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY) and Sara Lynn Cauchon (The Domestic Geek), among others. The Hosts of CTV’s highly-rated The Social: Traci Melchor, Melissa Grelo, Lainey Lui and Cynthia Loyst, also were among those to grace the Red Carpet and chat with us.
Like the Audience tonight, those who see Cinderella in theatres will be treated with the delightfully-cute Short, Frozen Fever, which sees our favourite Sisters on-screen once again planning a Birthday Bash for Anna, all while Elsa experiences in untimely fashion, a… wait for it… cold.
See our Chats with James, The Hosts of The Social, Liz Trinnear, Sarah Allen and Tomie-Amber Pirie below:
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The 2014 Canadian Upfronts are in full swing and Shaw Media truly upped their game this year unveiling their upcoming Fall and 2015 Mid-Season Lineups. Heavy on its focus on new American programming for its Global Television, over 50 new Programs also were picked-up on their Specialty Networks (i.e. Showcase, History, HGTV, Food, Slice, DTour and Lifetime).
A litany of Talent representing a wide array of Shaw Media programming, appeared at Elgin Theatre today to celebrate the occasion.
Among the new Series being acquired were:
Partners
Mulaney
Madam Secretary
Border Security
Constantine
Stalker
A to Z
Bad Judge
Gracepoint
State of Affairs
Outlander
Dominion
Satisfaction
The Red Tent
The Hunt
Down East Dickering
Pawnography
Biker Battleground Phoenix
Houdini
UFO X-Files
Mummies Alive
Dino Hunt
Texas Rising
Reno Rookies
Mike’s Ultimate Garage
House Hunters International Renovation
Sold on the Spot
The Jennie Garth Project
My Big Family Renovation
Lakefront Bargain Hunt
Vacation House for Free
Ellen’s Design Challenge
Custom Built
The Expendables
Carnival Eats
Food Truck Face Off
Farmhouse Rules
Chopped: Ultimate Chopped Champions Tournament
Chopped Teens
Great Canadian Cookbook
The Singles Project
Extreme Guide to Parenting
Handsome Devils
Ladies of London
Million Dollar Listing Miami
Online Dating Rituals of the American Male
See No Evil
Southern Charm
Ghost Adventures: Aftershock
Border Security Australia
Hotel Secrets & Legends
Resort Rescue
Little Women: LA
Deliverance Creek
Un-Real
In attendance today were: Kevin Zegers, Orlando Jones (Sleepy Hollow), Megan Boone (The Blacklist), Ryan Eggold (The Blacklist), Matt Ryan (Constantine), Charles Barnett (Chicago Fire), Jesse Lee Soffer (Chicago P.D.), Dillon Casey (Remedy), Sara Canning (Remedy), Enrico Colantoni (Remedy), Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue), Charlotte Sullivan (Rookie Blue), Susur Lee (Chopped Canada), Leslie Odom Jr. (State of Affairs), in addition Shaw‘s fine roster of Talent including personalities like Cheryl Hickey, John Catucci, Leslie Roberts, Antony Robart, Roz Weston and several more.
For more information on Shaw‘s upcoming 2014 Fall/2015 Mid-Season Lineup, click here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Shaw Media is ready to unleash their latest Series, a powerful Medical-Drama, REMEDY! The Series which is set to premiere next week on Global Television, stars our v. own Dillon Casey (Nikita) as a Medical School Dropout, working as an Orderly at a Toronto Hospital. He is the Son of the Hospital’s Chief-in-Staff, played by Enrico Colantoni (Flashpoint, Veronica Mars). The Series also stars Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) and Sarah Allen (Murdoch Mysteries); a talented Canadian Cast.
The Cast were at Global’s The Morning Show (National Edition) introducing the new Series, kind to take a quick minute afterwards in all the snow to stop for Photos and Autographs for Fans!
Learn more about REMEDY here. It premieres Monday, February 24, 2014 at 9:00 PM EST.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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