Kenneth Branagh Named Patron of 'Shakespeare on Screen' Program

Regional movie agency Film London has announced that Sir Kenneth Branagh has been named patron for their Shakespeare on Screen program, a year-long series of projects and events which form part of the global celebrations marking 400 years of Shakespeare.

Shakespeare on Screen will present a diverse range of exciting productions celebrating Shakespeare's life, legacy and enduring appeal, particularly as depicted on film. With a history of bringing the bard to the big screen, Kenneth is the perfect champion for this ambitious programme of works.

The program will include a new feature film, two shorts from all-female filmmaking teams, three artists' animations and a documentary examining Shakespeare's screen legacy, with more activities to be announced later.

"Much of my work has involved bringing Shakespeare to the stage and the screen, so I'm looking forward to working with Film London as their patron for Shakespeare on Screen" says Branagh. "Storytellers at every stage of their careers continue to draw from the playwright's work, so it is fitting that this project - through an ambitious series of brand new commissions - showcases emerging and established talent alike. It is a pleasure to be involved with a project which aims to bring his work to countless new audiences, inspiring as many people as possible along the way."

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, welcomed Kenneth as patron for the program, saying "There are few people as inextricably linked with Shakespeare as Sir Kenneth Branagh, and as a writer, director and actor he has helped capture the imagination of untold thousands. Having him as our patron for Shakespeare on Screen is therefore a real honour, and it is also very fitting given his work with our Chairman David Parfitt on films such as Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V."

Click here for a full list of projects and additional program details

Branagh most recently directed Disney's live action CINDERELLA, which delivered $532.7 million worldwide. Previous directing credits include HENRY V, JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT, MARILYN AND ME and THOR.

Branagh, who just started his own theatre company, has long been lauded as one of the great Shakespearean interpreters. His skills as a writer, director, and actor have garnered international acclaim across the disciplines of stage, film, and television, and he has been nominated in five different categories for an Academy Award. Branagh last performed Shakespeare when he played Richard III at the Sheffield Crucible in 2002. His stage performances as Edmund at The National Theatre and Ivanov for the Donmar played to great acclaim. In 2011, Branagh completed a sell-out run of the hit comedy The Painkiller at the Lyric Theatre in his native Belfast. In 2013 he received a Knighthood for his services to drama and to the community in N. Ireland.

Source: FilmLondon.org

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos