14 February 2006
Tuesday 14 February 2006 21:30-22:15 (Radio 3)
Philip Dodd talks the founders of Participant Productions, a Hollywood company dedicated to producing films specifically aimed at raising social awareness. He discusses two of the firm's most acclaimed productions to date - Syriana and Good Night and Good Luck, both starring George Clooney.
Programme Details
On Night Waves tonight Philip Dodd examines whether we're in a new age of politically involved cinema. The billionaire founder of eBay has thrown his financial weight behind an effort to create more complex and socially aware films by setting up a production company to make them. As the first of these emerge with two new films about journalistic integrity and geo-politics in the next month - and George Clooney lends his star p examines the likelihood of new success for serious film.
In this special edition of Night Waves, Philip talks to film producer David Puttnam about his experiences of trying to make politically complex films in Hollywood and to film historians Peter Biskind and Ian Christie about the historical precedents. As the new George Clooney films Good Night and Good Luck and Syriana show both critical and commercial success in America , sharing Oscar nominations with films discussing homosexuality and the involvement of pharmaceutical corporations in the developing world, Philip asks why the appetite for serious film appears to be particularly strong now.
Join Philip Dodd and guests to find out more on Night Waves live tonight at 9.30, here on BBC Radio 3.
Additional information:
Good Night and Good Luck directed by George Clooney is in cinemas from Friday 17 th February, certificate PG.
Syriana is in cinemas from Friday 3 March, Certificate 15.
The first Participant Productions release in the UK , North Country , starring Charlize Theron is already in cinemas, Certificate 15.
