SPOTLIGHT
 

Kate and Jim in happier times

On this page you will find coverage of Ultra Films,
Kate's and Jim's production company,
and their deal with Intermediafilm
 
"We are both enjoying the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films."

 

 

 

September 6: Kate's and Jim’s production company will continue to operate - as Ultra Films:

From Ananova Entertainment News:

"Business As Usual For Winslet Film Company"

Kate Winslet and estranged husband Jim Threapleton are to continue working together in their joint film company.

The Titanic star announced her split from film director Threapleton earlier this week. But they have now said Ultra Films will continue to work as normal despite the break-up of their marriage.

The firm, which was initially called Tell-Tale Films, was set up by Winslet and Threapleton a year ago and has a contract to develop scripts and ideas with independent filmmakers Intermedia.

A spokesman for Intermedia told Daily Variety newspaper that Threapleton, 26, had contacted the firm after the split was announced to say it was "business as usual".

Winslet has taken starring roles in two films being made by Intermedia - Enigma, based on the Robert Harris novel, and Iris, about novelist Iris Murdoch. She is due also to star in and act as executive producer in the company's Therese Raquin.

From Variety:

"Winslet's Ultra Survives Marriage Break-up," By Adam Dawtrey
Indie Film co. to Maintain Intermedia partnership
LONDON -- Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton's Ultra Films will continue to operate as before under its overall deal with Intermedia, despite the break-up of the couple's marriage.

An Intermedia spokesman said that Threapleton had contacted the company after news broke earlier this week about his split with Winslet, to confirm that it was still business as usual for Ultra.

Ultra was formerly named Tell-Tale Films. Winslet met Threapleton when he was assistant director on her pic "Hideous Kinky." She is currently starring in two Intermedia movies - "Enigma" and "Iris" - and is attached as star and exec producer to Intermedia's "Therese Raquin."

Thanks to my pal Sylvia of Dougray Scott in Focus for emailing me the Variety article this morning!

 

September 6, 2001: BBC News and ITN also have reports today about Ultra Films:

From BBC News:

"Business As Usual At Winslet Firm"

The film company set up by Kate Winslet and her estranged husband Jim Threapleton, is to continue to operate as normal. The couple's split, announced earlier this week, is described as "amicable" and the pair will continue to work for Ultra Films [actually, that's their company].

According to Daily Variety magazine, Threapleton has contacted the company [Intermedia] since the break-up to say that it was "business as usual".

Threapleton was a third assistant director on the film Hideous Kinky when the couple met.

Ultra Films was originally called Tell-Tale films and was set up a year ago. Its main contract is to develop scripts and ideas with independent filmmakers Intermedia. Winslet is the star of a recent Intermedia production - Enigma - based on the Robert Harris novel telling the story of World War II code breakers.

Another Winslet vehicle in production is a film called Iris, based on a book about the late writer Iris Murdoch written by her husband John Bayley. Winslet plays the acclaimed writer in her youth, while Dame Judy Dench plays her in later life.

She is also due to star in and be executive producer in the forthcoming romantic thriller Therese Raquin, an adaptation of an Emile Zola novel.

Threapleton had put his career to one side to look after the couple's 11 month old daughter Mia. His grandparents have spoken out about the fact that his career was put on hold while Winslet's career went from strength to strength.

The couple and 11-month-old daughter Mia moved out of their Surrey home and into Winslet's old flat in north London six weeks ago, according to reports. Threapleton is said to have been staying with friends for several weeks.

The Titanic star told reporters the split was a "mutual decision" on Tuesday.

From ITN:

The Titanic star, who announced her split from film director Threapleton earlier this week, will continue to work with him at Ultra Films, which develops scripts with independent filmmakers Intermedia.

Winslet has taken starring roles in two films being made by Intermedia - Enigma, based on the Robert Harris novel, and Iris, about novelist Iris Murdoch. She is due also to star in and be executive producer in the company's Therese Raquin.

Their decision to split after less than three years' marriage has shocked the showbiz world, which saw them as a stable, loving couple.

Winslet, red-eyed and without her wedding ring, spoke publicly about the break-up for the first time on Tuesday when she appeared outside a family home to make a statement to waiting media. She explained, "This is an absolutely amicable separation and it is a mutual decision between both of us. Jim and I have great respect for each other. There is no malice at all. It is extremely sad but we are all fine."

The couple have an 11-month-old daughter, Mia, and Ms Winslet said: "We are both communicating constantly. Mia remains the happy child that she always has been."

 

Sept 6: The Mirror has a brief item on the company, noting that they are still in the start-up phase:

As Kate Winslet and her husband Jim Threapleton reflect on their shambolic marriage, I am sorry to report that their business partnership looks in need of a spice-up.

In 1999, the couple set up a film company, Telltale Films, which has just two directors - Kate and Jim - and registered offices in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, not far from their riverside home.

Figures for the year that ended September 30, 2000, show that the company's assets amounted to £5,291 and creditors were owed £35,393. In other words, Telltale had losses of £30,102. "They're not big losses for a small company," says The Scurra's business source, "and they wouldn't have put much of a dent in Kate's wealth."

I am told that the real loser could be top British production company Intermedia which has helped to finance Telltale and would lose its investment if the company is wound up.

Fingers crossed that the next set of accounts will show that things have improved for the Threapletons' venture.

 

January 7, 2001: Kate spoke about Telltale Films during an interview for the UK Sunday Times Magazine:
The [Winslet] family is close, and its millionaire member would love to be in a position to share out the goodies. It is an ambition that may well be at the heart of her hopes for Telltale Films, the production company she and Threapleton have formed. "I constantly read scripts and think that my sister Anna would be brilliant for the part, so much better than me. I can hardly make demands on their behalf, but once we get Telltale up and running it should be easier."
Cynical comments will no doubt be made about Threapleton's improved prospects since falling in love with the nation's sweetheart - same syndrome as Cate Blanchett's other half, Andrew Upton - but the dignified 26-year-old has been quietly writing scripts and directing short films while his wife gets on with being the star. Do they want to work together? "I want him to direct me more than he wants to direct me, but at the moment it's important that we don't do it. People will be quick to say, 'He's only directing that because she's in it.'"

 

July 26: I found this item in Associated Newspapers, Ltd.:
    The second Rushes Soho Shorts Festival kicks off on Saturday 29 July and boasts an extraordinary variety of films and videos that encompass all the forms and formats currently available to enterprising film-makers.
    Trading on its reputation for being young, funky and switched-on, the Festival includes some surprisingly big names jostling for attention - including Ewan McGregor (who teams up again with Jeff Stark for Anno Domini, following last year's miniature hit Desserts), Adrian Dunbar in Oscar-nominated J.J. Keith's HoHoHo (with Thomas Brown-Lowe) and Jim 'Mr Kate Winslet' Threapleton's The Tell Tale Heart.
    Animated shorts are particularly strong this year, with contributions from Darren Walsh of Aardman (Angry Kid), Tracy Spottiswoode's Codename Corgi from Living Doll Animation and Richard Kenworthy's The Littlest Robo - just one of three titles from Aka Pizazz.
    The music category sees Mel G's 'Word Up' video, directed by Wiz for Oil Factory, competing with big names like Kevin Godley - for the video for Gabrielle's 'Rise' - David Bowie ('Thursday's Child', directed by Walter Stern of Academy) and Robbie Williams, whose 'She's The One' video was directed by Dom & Nic for Oil Factory.
    The screenings are free and will be held in various cafes, bars and cinemas throughout Soho. This year's venues include Soho House, De Lane Lea, Atlantic Bar & Grill, Curzon Soho, Planet Hollywood and the Metro Cinema. Check brochure for further venues.
    The five award category winners will be announced on the closing night, Thursday 3 August, in a ceremony hosted by Terry Christian - plus a number of celebrity presenters, who will doubtless be on hand to help him with his words.
    For those budding film-makers who have yet to figure out one end of a camcorder from another, there will be a short film-making seminar entitled Short But Sweet, held in conjunction with the New Producers Alliance on Tuesday 1 August at the Curzon Cinema, sponsored by Sony.
    Rushes Soho Shorts Festival 2000, Saturday 29 July - Friday 4 August, various Soho venues. All screenings are free. For a brochure call 020-7851 6207, or visit
http://www.sohoshorts.com/sohoshorts

 

Following is a brief description of and pic from The Tell Tale Heart, from the festival brochure. It's competing in the category of The Sony Newcomer Award:

The Tell Tale Heart

Director: Jim Threapleton
Producer: Adam Somner Company: Telltale Films Ltd.
Tormented by the daily humdrum of caring for a crippled, ill sighted grandfather, young William decides there is only one logical solution! Edgar Allan Poe's study of insanity

 

July 26: Empire Online is having a contest to win tickets to the festival awards party:

Enter our Rushes competition and you could win two tickets to the festival's exclusive awards party.
    The second Rushes Soho Shorts Festival will be kicking off at the end of the month and you could be there in person to see the awards handed out.
    The week-long event, which pays homage to the most talented short film makers in the UK, will feature screenings of short-listed films, selected from over 750 entries, in bars, cafes and cinemas across Soho, London between July 29 and August 4. Empire Online, in association with Rushes, are offering two tickets to the highlight of the festival - a huge awards party to take place on 3 August.
    The awards, which are to be presented by a host of industry names, will be given for best short, best newcomer, best title and ident sequence, best animation short and best music video. Finalists include Jeff Stark's Anno Domini starring Ewan McGregor, Oscar nominated JJ Keith's HoHoHo and Michel Gondry's music video for The Chemical Brothers' Let Forever Be.
    The party, hosted by Terry Christian, will be a fantastic event and you'll even get the chance to mingle with such guests as Alan Parker, Tim Bevan and Jim Threapleton.
    For your chance to attend this prestigious event register your details at Empire Online. All entries must be in by Monday July 31.

 

July 10: From Ain't It Cool News:

Looks like my fave actress in the whole wide world is branching out.... Wonder if she has a job for me (he says wistfully....) From the BBC : Actress Kate Winslet and husband Jim Threapleton are hoping to boost the British film industry with their new production company. Based at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, Telltale Films was initially formed about a year ago to develop and produce UK and European-based films. But it is only recently that the company has signed an exclusive first-look deal with sales firm Intermedia, which will distribute the finished features worldwide. Winslet, 25, who most recently starred in Holy Smoke with Harvey Keitel, said she and Threapleton were looking forward to the challenge of developing their own projects. "We are both enjoying the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films," she told Hollywood trade magazine Variety. Speaking to BBC News Online, Jim Threapleton confirmed the company was looking to develop British talent - but added they saw the outfit as part of the wider European industry. "The British issue is very important but we realise that we can't isolate ourselves in this business if there is going to be any chance of trying to compete with the US film industry," he said. The 26-year-old said they formed the outfit to have greater control over their careers.

 

I found this article on the ITN site:

"Kate Winslet and Husband Start Film Company" -
    Titanic star Kate Winslet has started a production company with her husband Jim Threapleton. The couple, who are expecting their first baby in September, have formed their own business, Telltale Films, to develop and produce European projects.
    Winslet, 24, and 26-year-old Threapleton are thought to have based their new company in a London suburb. They want to encourage and promote British acting talent as a real force to compete with the mighty Hollywood and are believed to have struck a deal with a worldwide distribution firm Intermedia.

Kate's next two films are the World War Two thriller Enigma and the historical romance Therese Raquin. She is said to be planning to start filming the latter once she returns to work after the baby is born.
    The new husband and wife potential movie mogul team are in the process of considering work from various new screenwriters and directors.
    Telltale is the result of a year and a half's hard graft for Threapleton who met Kate on the set of Hideous Kinky in 1997. He worked on the movie as an assistant director and she was the lead actress. They married in November 1998.

 

July 6: From "Celebrity News":
"Kate Winslet Signs Mega Producing Deal" -
Actress Kate Winslet's dreams of becoming a big time producer are turning into a reality as the Titanic (1997) star signs a mega deal with media giants - Intermedia. The actress who has always wanted to have more input into the movies she stars in, joined up with husband Jim Threapleton to form her own production company Telltale Films last year. And the stunning star has now signed a two year development and production deal with Intermedia launching herself as a big time player. Winslet will also star in two to the company's upcoming projects Enigma (2001) and an adaptation of Emile Zola's Terese Raquin.

 

July 6: From Mr. Showbiz:

"Winslet and Hubby Bow Film Company" -
    The September birth of Kate Winslet's baby with husband Jim Threapleton won't be the couple's only co-production this year. Variety reports that the two have formed their own film production company, Telltale Films, based in a London suburb. Threapleton said that he and the Oscar-nominated actress formed the outfit to have more control over their careers. Emphasis on more, probably.
    Winslet, 24, and Threapleton, a 26-year-old director, plan to use the company to develop and produce European films, and to nudge British talent into the spotlight. "The British issue is very important, but we can't isolate ourselves in this business if there is going to be any chance of trying to compete with the U.S. film industry," Threapleton explained to the BBC. Careful, Jimmy - it's best not to bite the hand that feeds ye. If the American public hadn't forked over wads of cash to see Winslet in Titanic, she might be stuck on a treadmill of roles calling for corsets and powdered wigs.
    Telltale plans on lensing its first movie sometime in 2001. The two have a first-look deal with Intermedia, a firm that will allow them to distribute finished pictures internationally. Winslet has two upcoming movies that are Intermedia projects: the World War II thriller Enigma and the historical romance Therese Raquin, which is due to start filming after Winslet is back from maternity leave. Winslet and Threapleton are already considering a number of pitches from hopeful screenwriters and directors. Threapleton has dedicated the last year and a half to securing Telltale's framework.
    The couple met on the set of Winslet's first post-Titanic movie, Hideous Kinky, in 1997. He was an assistant director, and she was the lead actress. They married in November 1998.

 

July 5: I found this on BBC News:

"Winslet Backs British Talent" -
    Actress Kate Winslet and husband Jim Threapleton are hoping to boost the British film industry with their new production company. Based at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, Telltale Films was initially formed about a year ago to develop and produce UK and European-based films. But it is only recently that the company has signed an exclusive first-look deal with sales firm Intermedia, which will distribute the finished features worldwide.

Winslet, 25, who most recently starred in Holy Smoke with Harvey Keitel, said she and Threapleton were looking forward to the challenge of developing their own projects. "We are both enjoying the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films," she told Hollywood trade magazine Variety. Speaking to BBC News Online, Jim Threapleton confirmed the company was looking to develop British talent - but added they saw the outfit as part of the wider European industry. "The British issue is very important but we realise that we can't isolate ourselves in this business if there is going to be any chance of trying to compete with the US film industry," he said. The 26-year-old said they formed the outfit to have greater control over their careers. "We created Telltale primarily as a facility for us to do exactly what we wanted, " Threapleton said. "Exactly what we will each be doing will change, whether it be directing or acting - we will be making it up as we go along." The couple are now currently considering a number of submissions from writers and directors.
    Foundations - Winslet's career to date has proved she has a nose for a winning movie. She has already won two Oscar nominations for her work in Sense and Sensibility and the box office smash Titanic. In addition, she has just finished work on the thriller Enigma, with acclaimed director Michael Apted. As for the future, Winslet's scheduled projects show her expanding her production interests beyond acting. She will take on the dual role of executive producer and star in Thérèse Raquin, which stars shooting next year. It was through her involvement with Thérèse Raquin and Enigma that Winslet also developed a relationship with Intermedia - both films are Intermedia projects.
    Despite his youth, Threapleton is a old hand at film-making as well. He met his wife on the set of Hideous Kinky in 1997. She was the star and he an assistant director. He has spent the last 18 months laying the foundations for Telltale. The couple, who married a year after they met, are expecting their first baby in September.

 

July 5: From Ananova Entertainment News:
"Titanic Star Launches Production Company" -
    British actress Kate Winslet has formed a London-based film production company with her husband, Jim Threapleton.Although details of projects they wish to produce have not been disclosed, the "Titanic" star and her assistant director spouse are expected to begin shooting their first picture in 2001. Based at Shepperton Studios, Telltale Films was formed in mid-1999 by the two-time Oscar nominee and her husband to develop and produce UK-based and European-based films.
    According to Variety, Telltale has signed an exclusive first-look development and production deal with the sales firm Intermedia, which will distribute the films worldwide. Intermedia developed a relationship with Winslet through her work on the upcoming Intermedia projects "Enigma" and "Therese Raquin."
    Winslet said in a statement: "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK, and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films." The couple met on the set of "Hideous Kinky" in 1997 and married the following year.

 

July 5: May pal Sylvia of Dougray Scott in Focus e-mailed me the link to this item from Big Screen News:
"Winslet goes into production" -
Titanic star Kate Winslet is starting a film production company with husband Jim Threapleton. The couple are hoping that Telltale Films, based at London's Shepperton Studios, will start shooting its first movie next year. "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK, and believe we have strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films," Winslet said.

 

July 5: Here is the complete article from the Hollywood Reporter Premium Service. Special thanks to Tamara of Dougray Net for e-mailing me with the complete article, only available to subscribers.
"Winslet docks Telltale Films at Intermedia," By Cathy Dunkley -
    British actress Kate Winslet's production banner Telltale Films, in which she is partnered with her writer-director husband Jim Threapleton, has signed an exclusive, two-year, first-look development and production deal with Intermedia.
    The deal continues Intermedia's relationship with Winslet, the two-time Oscar nominee ("Sense and Sensibility," "Titanic"), who will star in the company's upcoming projects "Enigma," directed by Michael Apted, and an adaptation of Emile Zola's novel "Therese Raquin," the latter of which is slated to start shooting in the spring.
    Under the terms of the deal, Intermedia will handle worldwide distribution of the films. Telltale, formed about a year ago, aims to develop and produce U.K.- and European-based films.
    Marking the feature directorial debut of London theater director David Leveaux, "Raquin" is set during 19th century Paris and tells the tragic story of a woman whose adulterous affair leads to murder. Scott Meek and Nigel Stafford-Clark of Deep Indigo will produce "Raquin," with Winslet and Intermedia co-chairmen Guy East and Nigel Sinclair executive producing. USA Films has North American distribution rights to "Raquin."
    The Telltale pact is the latest for Intermedia, which has recently signed a number of production pacts with suppliers, including Ruth Jackson's West Eleven Films, Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella's Mirage Enterprises, Kenneth Branagh's the Shakespeare Film Co., Tony Scott and Ridley Scott's Scott Free Prods., Outlaw Prods., Cary Brokaw's Avenue Pictures, Sean Connery's Fountainbridge Films, Ryan Philippe's Lucid Film and Anand Tucker, Andy Patterson and Frank Cottrell Boyce's Archer Street Prods.
    "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the U.K. and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films," Winslet said in a statement. "The structure at Intermedia means we are able to get straight to the source of the kind of films we want to produce."
   East said: "We have developed a close working relationship with Kate on 'Enigma' and 'Therese Raquin,' and we are delighted to extend this to a more formal production arrangement with Jim and Telltale Films. This will help us work more closely with the wealth of young British and European writing, directing and acting talent."
    Telltale Films was repped in the deal by WMA's Hylda Queally and Cassian Elwes in Los Angeles and London-based agent Dallas Smith of Peters, Fraser, Dunlop.
    IM International Media AG -- the new holding company grouping East and Sinclair's Intermedia Films and Moritz Borman's Pacifica Entertainment -- recently launched its planned initial public offering on Frankfurt's Neuer Markt.
    Intermedia's upcoming release slate includes Neil LaBute's Cannes Film Festival prize winner "Nurse Betty," starring Renee Zellweger, Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock; "The Full Monty" scribe Simon Beaufoy and director Paddy Breathnach's "Blow Dry"; and the comedy-romance "The Wedding Planner" starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.

 

July 5: Here's the coverage from Popcorn News:

Kate Winslet and her husband Jim Threapleton's production company, Telltale Films, has signed an exclusive development and production deal with Intermedia. The company, based at Shepperton Studios, was set up last year and hopes to begin work on its first film in 2001. Winslet developed a relationship with Intermedia through her work on upcoming movies 'Enigma' and 'Therese Raquin', and explains that she and her husband are "enjoying the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films." The actress, who is due to give birth later this year, has just completed work on 'Enigma' (co-starring Dougray Scott and directed by Michael 'The World Is Not Enough' Apted) and is set to star in 'Therese' next spring.

 

July 5: I found this coverage on Zap2it.com Movie News:
"Winslet, Hubby Film Producers" -
    "Titanic'' actress Kate Winslet and her husband James Threapleton, an assistant director, will start producing films together under their banner Telltale Films. The company will be based at London's Shepperton Studios. The couple met on the set of Winslet's 1997 movie "Hideous Kinky" and were married in 1998.  "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the U.K., and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films,'' the actress said in a statement.
    Oscar-nominated for "Sense and Sensibility," Winslet was uncomfortable with the superstar status granted her over the mega hit "Titanic." After that, she immediately gravitated back to smaller productions, including the single-mom hippie drama "Hideous Kinky" and "Holy Smoke," in which she starred as a cult member getting de-programmed. For her next film "Therese Raquin," an adaptation of Emile Zola's novel which she produced and stars in, Winslet plays a 19th century woman haunted by her misdeeds.

 

July 5: From Reel.com News:
Elsewhere in the U.K., English starlet and mum-to-be Kate Winslet announced a new development of her own. Winslet and husband Jim Threapleton set up a production company last year, and they've now struck an exclusive first-look deal with sales firm Intermedia. Winslet worked with Intermedia for two upcoming films, Michael Apted's thriller Enigma and David Levaux's drama Therese Raquin, which she will also executive produce. Through their Telltale Films, headquartered at London's Shepperton Studios, the actress and her writer-director husband will produce U.K- and European-based films, says Variety, and Intermedia will distribute their films worldwide. Winslet met Threapleton in 1997 on the set of Hideous Kinky and married him a year later. "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the U.K., and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films," she said.

 

July 5: Here's the Yahoo! News coverage of the Telltale Films deal [Foxnews.com and the Times of India carried this same text]:
"Winslet Sets Sail With Telltale," By Dana Harris -
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - "Titanic'' star Kate Winslet has formed a film production company with her husband, and they aim to begin shooting their first picture in 2001. Based at London's Shepperton Studios, Telltale Films was formed in mid-1999 by Winslet and husband Jim Threapleton to develop and produce U.K.- and European-based films. Details of projects on their slate were not disclosed. Telltale has signed an exclusive first-look development and production deal with sales firm Intermedia, which will distribute the films worldwide. "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the U.K., and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films,'' Winslet said in a statement. Intermedia developed a relationship with Winslet through her work on the upcoming Intermedia projects "Enigma'' and "Therese Raquin.''
    Winslet, a two-time Oscar nominee for her work in "Sense and Sensibility'' and "Titanic,'' has just completed filming the thriller "Enigma,'' directed by Michael Apted. She will also star in and act as executive producer on "Therese Raquin,'' scheduled to start shooting next spring.
    After an early career as an assistant director on feature films in the U.K. and U.S., Threapleton has spent the last 18 months laying the foundations for Telltale and has developed a portfolio as a writer-director. The couple met on the set of ''Hideous Kinky'' in 1997 and married the following year.

 

July 4: I found this mention of Telltale Films on the Intermedia site today:

Intermedia and Telltale Films, Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton's production company, have entered into an agreement whereby Intermedia will have an exclusive first look development and production deal for Telltale's films. Intermedia will handle worldwide distribution of the films. Intermedia's co-chairman, Guy East, said "We have developed a close working relationship with Kate on Enigma and Therese Raquin and we are delighted to extend this to a more formal production arrangement with Jim and Telltale Films. This will help us work more closely with the wealth of young British and European writing, directing and acting talent."

 

July 4: And here's the official press release I found today from Intermedia on the Telltale Films deal:
"Intermedia and Telltale Films Strike Deal" -
    LONDON, England, July 5, 2000 ­ Intermedia and Telltale Films, Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton's production company, announced today that they have entered into an agreement whereby Intermedia will have an exclusive first look development and production deal for Telltale's films. Intermedia will handle worldwide distribution of the films.
    Based at Shepperton Studios, Telltale Films Limited was formed in mid-1999 by Kate Winslet and husband Jim Threapleton to develop and produce UK and European based films. Telltale aims to have its first film start production in 2001.
    Kate Winslet said: "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films. The structure at Intermedia means we are able to get straight to the source of the kind of films we want to produce."
    Jim Threapleton said: "Working together with Intermedia's development team is a very energetic experience. They are passionate about film for all the right reasons and we are looking forward to working together for the next few years."
    Intermedia's co-chairman, Guy East, said "We have developed a close working relationship with Kate on Enigma and Therese Raquin and we are delighted to extend this to a more formal production arrangement with Jim and Telltale Films. This will help us work more closely with the wealth of young British and European writing, directing and acting talent."
    Winslet who has been nominated twice for best actress Academy Awards - in 1995 for Sense and Sensibility and in 1997 for Titanic - has just completed filming on Intermedia's thriller Enigma, directed by Michael Apted. She will also star in and act as executive producer on Intermedia's Therese Raquin, scheduled to start filming next spring.
    After an early career as an assistant director on feature films in the UK and US, Jim Threapleton has spent the last eighteen months laying the foundations for Telltale Films, and more personally has developed a portfolio as a writer/director.
    Telltale Films is represented by Hilda Queally and Cassian Elwes at William Morris in Los Angeles and Dallas Smith of Peters Fraser Dunlop in London. Intermedia is a diversified entertainment investment company with offices in London, Los Angeles and Munich, which develops, finances and distributes motion pictures in collaboration with leading producing partners. Its parent company, IM Internationalmedia AG, is listed on the Frankfurt Neuer Markt stock exchange. Intermedia's films include Sliding Doors, Small Time Crooks, Hilary and Jackie, Playing By Heart, Sweet and Lowdown, Love's Labour's Lost, Where the Heart Is and Where The Money Is as well as such forthcoming titles as Nurse Betty, Enigma, Blow Dry and The Wedding Planner.

 

July 4: Beatrice of the great site Addicted to Cate [Cate Blanchett] sent me the tip today on this news, found in Screen Daily:
"Intermedia Seals First-look Deal With Winslet" - Adam Minns in London, July 4, 2000 -
    In its first long-term deal outside the US since floating in May, Intermedia has struck an exclusive first-look pact with Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton's UK-based production outfit Telltale Films.
    UK and US-based Intermedia will handle worldwide distribution on films from the Shepperton Studios-based company, formed last year by the husband-and-wife team. Winslet will also star in and act as executive producer on Intermedia's Therese Raquin, which is expected to start filming next spring but is outside the development and production deal between Intermedia and Telltale.
    Intermedia, which floated in Germany under the holding company of Internationalmedia, finalised a first-look pact with US producer Mark Johnson last month.
    The partnership with Telltale comes after Winslet starred in Enigma for Intermedia and Jagged Films. Winslet, who formed Telltale with Threapleton to focus on UK and continental European projects, commented: "We are both enjoying exploring the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films."
    Intermedia co-chairman Guy East said of the Telltale deal: "This will help us work more closely with the wealth of young British and European writing, directing and acting talent."
    Telltale is represented by Hilda Queally and Cassian Elwes at William Morris in Los Angeles and Dallas Smith of Peters Fraser Dunlop in London.