Media
Pulse Films welcome Jessica Swale to directing roster
Pulse President Davud Karbassioun said, “Simply put Jess is one of the most exciting rising stars in visual storytelling right now. Her diverse tastes and interests and her ability to seamlessly transcend film, television, short-form and theatre gives her a unique creative perspective.”
Jess will be on the companies roster for global representation.
Jessica Swale speaks at Soho Media Club’s BE YOU Festival
At the one-day festival for diversity and inclusion, Jessica spoke to those looking to break into the industry in a variety of different roles.
She spoke on good practices for writers and directors, as well as how to find a place in the industry using your own unique voice.
(Photo Credit: Michael Wharley)
Ten Percent now available on Amazon Prime!
Episodes 3 and 4 of Ten Percent, the UK remake of Call My Agent, were recently directed by Jessica Swale, featuring special guest stars Dominic Cooper, Emma Corin, and Himesh Patel.
‘Call My Agent!’ UK Remake
In recent weeks, intrigue has been building in the UK industry about the local remake of French hit Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent in France), but cast and plot details have been a tightly guarded secret.
It has been announced that Jessica Swale is onboard to direct episodes later on in the series.
More details to follow.
(DEADLINE)
(Photo credit: Michael Wharley)
Joel Fry Joins Sarah Snook in Jane Austen Adaptation 'Persuasion'
British actor Joel Fry, who appeared in Danny Boyle’s Yesterday, has joined Succession's Sarah Snook to star in Persuasion, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel that Mahalia Belo is directing for Searchlight.
Jessica Swale, writer-director of the Gemma Arterton-starring war drama Summerland, wrote the adaptation of the book that was first published in 1818.
(HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)
(Picture Credit: Getty Images; Courtesy of UTA)
Sex Education’s Emma Mackey To Star in Working Title’s Adaptation Of ‘Nell Gwynn’ by Jessica Swale
After her breakout role in the Netflix comedy series Sex Education, Emma Mackey has landed her first major lead role in a feature film as we are hearing she is attached to star in Working Title’s Nell Gwynn.
(DEADLINE)
(Picture Credit: AFP/GETTY)
Sarah Snook to star in Jane Austen Adaptation 'Persuasion'
Succession star Sarah Snook will star in Persuasion, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel that Mahalia Belo is directing for Fox Searchlight.
Jessica Swale, the writer-director of the Gemma Arterton- starring war drama Summerland, is writing the adaptation of the book that was first published in 1818.
(HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)
Picture Credit: Alex Vaughan
A Summerland Soundscape
Jessica’s Assistant Director on Summerland, Nicola Allpress, put together a playlist of music the represents the essence of Summerland. Have a listen and discover the music that inspired the film.
Summer Loving
Summerland writer-director Jessica Swale shares 50 of her favourite heart-filled films for troubled times.
(LETTERBOXD)
My Working From Home Life: Writer-Director Jessica Swale
Jessica spoke to Michael Rosser about the release of Summerland, her working life throughout lockdown and FOMO.
(SCREEN DAILY)
Photo credit: Michael Wharley
Summerland wins ‘The Ray of Sunshine Award’ at the 48th Norwegian International Film Festival
The Ray of Sunshine award went to Summerland, directed by Jessica Swale. The award is meant for the film that excites and spreads the most joy. The film should reach a wide audience. The jury said that the film is ‘is a touching story about the endurance of love in challenging times. This film thrills us with beautiful scenery from Dover whilst the Second World War rages on in other parts of the country. The film showcases a liberating lack of prejudice – and a young heart confirms that love is love, no matter what. The stories intertwine with elegance, and the film left us with big smiles, open hearts and feeling that magic does exist. We hope this film gets a big audience and a long life at the cinemas!’
The jury is appointed by the Norwegian Cinema Managers Association and consisted of Clarissa Bergh from Lillehammer kino, Bjørn Holum from Fosnavåg kino and Ida Katrine Balto from Aurora kino.
Summerland Is a Cottagecore Period Drama Made for Life in Lockdown
“It's safe to say most of us have had a hard time adjusting to life in quarantine these past few months. But Jessica Swale's new film Summerland is a comforting balm that might take your mind off contemporary chaos and make you reconsider the benefits of an isolated existence.”
Jessica chats to Brooke Marine about Summerland and her Lockdown Life.
(W MAGAZINE)
Mark Kermode’s Film of the Week:
Summerland review – ‘Wartime wonderment with Gemma Arterton’
”What a lovely, hopeful and rather magical movie this is. The feature debut from writer/director Jessica Swale, whose impressive theatre CV includes the Olivier award-winner Nell Gwynn, Summerland provides just the tonic we need in times of turmoil. A tale of love lost and found, told with wit and charm, it maintains an impressive balance between the sly and the sentimental, gently subverting mainstream formulae as it slips back and forth in time, alternating between the realist and the romantic.”
(THE GUARDIAN)
Read Mark’s full review below.
Interview: Director Jessica Swale and Star Gemma Arterton Talk Summerland
‘When Jessica Swale, the writer-director of Summerland, and the film’s star Gemma Arterton, began production of the movie, they never would have guessed that the film would premiere under these circumstances.’
Jessica and Gemma Arterton spoke to Jeremy Ross about Summerland’s creative journey and release.
(LIVING OUT LOUD LA)
‘Summerland’ Director Jessica Swale on Gemma Arterton’s Delightful Spontaneity
During this 1-on-1 phone interview with Collider, filmmaker Jessica Swale talked about what inspired her to write Summerland, telling a period story with a contemporary sensibility, collaborating with her cast, the changes that were made to the lead character so that Gemma Arterton could play the role, what she most enjoyed about creating and writing someone like Alice, why editing was the hardest part of the process, and the projects that she’s currently developing now.
(COLLIDER)
Edith Bowman Soundtracking:
Jessica Swale On The Music Of Summerland
Jessica is interviewed by the glorious Edith Bowman for her weekly podcast Soundtracking.
Jessica Swale Interview: ‘Women shouldn’t have to pander to the notion of being maternal’
Running the room: Jessica Swale talks Summerland, children and portraying women in film with Nancy Durrant.
(EVENING STANDARD)
Photograph by Natasha Pszenicki
Styling by Colomba Giacomini
Summerland review: Gemma Arterton's wartime evacuation drama has a sensual pagan heart
“Gemma Arterton is magnificent, as is Lucas Bond as her youthful charge, in Jessica Swale’s 1940-set debut film.”
(THE TELEGRAPH)
Read the full review below (Subscription required).
How “Summerland” Director Jessica Swale Is Reforming the Film Industry
The accoladed theatre director and playwright's highly-anticipated first feature film is a mixed-race lesbian love story set during World War II. Here, Swale opens up about filmmakers' responsibility to make the industry more just, once and for all.
Photograph by Michael Wharley
(THE HELM)
Film at Lincoln Center: Q&A
Film at Lincoln Center welcomed Summerland stars Gemma Arterton & Gugu Mbatha-Raw and writer-director Jessica Swale for a Patron evening Q&A, moderated by Tiffany Vazquez. This event was generously presented by Campari.
Listed Londoner: Jessica Swale
Jessica spoke to Robert Elms about living in London and her favourite haunts- from favourite building to ice-cream shop.
Listen below on BBC Sounds.
Jessica Swale on Her Journey to ‘Summerland,’ Collaborating With Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gemma Arterton
Jessica discusses growing up, lasting friendships and her hugely anticipated new film Summerland with Jenelle Riley.
(VARIETY)
Photograph by Michael Wharley
Virtual KCET Cinema Series: Q&A
The KCET Cinema Series presents an exclusive Q&A with Jessica and the stars of the film Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Sign up for free below to access the Q&A.
(WARNING: SPOILERS).
Women in Film: Laptop Cinema Club Q&A
Join WIF and writer/director of Summerland Jessica Swale in conversation with stars, Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. This conversation is moderated by journalist Rebecca Sun.
Conversations with Creative Women: Interview
“Talk about a creative woman! Jessica Swale fits that bill and then some. Her first play, Blue Stockings, premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2013. Then came Nell Gwynn, which won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Jessica is making her feature film debut with the newly released period drama, Summerland. She also wrote the screenplay. We know you’ll enjoy meeting this accomplished, passionate, fascinating woman.”
Jessica chats with Sandi Klein.
Photograph by Michael Wharley
BBC Radio 4: Women’s Hour Live Interview
Jessica was live on Radio 4’s Women’s Hour on 27 July talking all about Summerland in the run up to it’s release on 31 July.
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show: Gemma Arterton Interview
Gemma Arterton speaks to Zoe Ball about how she got involved in Summerland, first as a producer before being cast as the lead character, Alice Lamb.
Listen to the show from 21 July 2020 on BBC Sounds.
Frameline44 Pride Showcase: Summerland Q&A
Jessica took part in a live Zoom Q&A to speak about the inspiration, creative process and casting behind Summerland for Frameline44, one of the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ Festivals. Hosted by Peter L. Stein, Jessica was joined by the stars of the film Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Summerland to Reopen Cinemas
Lionsgate have announced that Summerland will be their first new film release as cinema’s reopen on 31st July 2020.
Speaking about Summerland, Jessica said: “Fundamentally it’s a movie with a great big heart, and in these months of uncertainty and fear, I think stories with optimism woven into their seams have never been more necessary.”
“Whilst it’s arguably a tricky time to be bringing out a new movie, it feels like a great privilege to get to tell this story right now. We need film. Perhaps more than ever. And it feels very special to be part of this moment.”
(THE INDEPENDENT)
Summerland Trailer Debut
The debut trailer for Summerland, Jessica Swale’s period drama starring Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the story of a reclusive writer who during the Second World War adopts a young London evacuee.
(DEADLINE)
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party
Jessica attended the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party 2019 hosted by artist Greyson Perry.
(EVENING STANDARD)
Variety Announces 10 Brits to Watch for 2019
For the third year, Variety is partnering with the Newport Beach Film Festival to recognize those selected at the fifth annual Newport Beach U.K. Honours evening, to be held at the Langham Hotel in London on Feb. 7. Talent selected include writers, actors, and singers appearing working in all mediums.
(VARIETY)
Jessica Swale’s historical comedy aims to restore Nell Gwynn’s luster
If 17th-century Londoner Nell Gwynn is remembered today, it’s usually for the wrong reasons — as an orange seller who became mistress to England’s King Charles II. By rights, says British playwright Jessica Swale, Gwynn should be recalled as a trailblazing actress who dazzled her contemporaries with her smarts and bon mots.
(WASHINGTON POST)
'Horrible Histories: The Movie' Cast revealed and First Look
Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans, the feature adaptation of the children’s book series, has cast Sebastian Croft and Emilia Jones as the two leads and is now shooting on location in the UK and Bulgaria.
(SCREENDAILY)
Gemma Arterton to star in Summerland
Recently back on our cinema screens with World War II drama Their Finest, Gemma Arterton will be sticking with the wartime setting for a future film. She's leading the cast of playwright Jessica Swale's directorial debut Summerland.
(EMPIRE)
‘Horrible Histories: The Movie’ is official
Horrible Histories has delighted and revolted generations of readers and viewers ever since the book series began in 1993 – and now the series is coming to the big screen.
(RADIOTIMES)
Lionsgate takes UK Rights to Summerland (Exclusive)
Embankment Films has sold British rights to Lionsgate U.K. for romantic drama Summerland starring Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Variety has been given the exclusive first-look image for the film, which has just wrapped production.
(MSN)
Gugu Mbatha- Raw &Tom Courtenay join Gemma Arterton in ‘Summerland’ (Exclusive)
Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle), Tom Courtenay (45 Years) and Penelope Wilton (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) have boarded second world war-era drama Summerland which is set to star and be executive produced by Gemma Arterton.
(SCREENDAILY)
Leading Lady Parts: Exposing Sexist Stereotypes
Leading Lady Parts – the title of which came from writer Jessica Swale’s “slightly rude imagination” – arose out of a Times Up meeting at the start of the year. Gemma Arterton, who appeared in and executive produced the film, was speaking to another actress about how they could use their platform as actors to say something about #MeToo, rather than as spokespeople.
(ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY)
BWW Interview: Jessica Swale on getting into writing & theatre…
Jessica Swale is a director, screenwriter and Olivier Award-winning playwright. Her most recent stage adaptation The Jungle Book is currently touring, and she is working on no less than six separate screen projects.
(BROADWAYWORLD)
Jessica Swale Interview: Woman on Fire
It seems that Jessica Swale, the Berkshire-born playwright – also dubbed Britain's "best young director of period comedy" – can't put a foot wrong. With awards and accolades raining down, she is the stage's brightest rising star.
(THE INDEPENDENT)
Big Interview: playwright Jessica Swale, composer Joe Stilgoe and director Max Webster on The Jungle Book
Susan Elkin spoke to playwright Jessica Swale, composer Joe Stilgoe and director Max Webster during the rehearsals for a brand-new adaptation of The Jungle Book which opened at Royal and Derngate, Northampton before Christmas and tours nationally this year.
(INK PELLET)
Horrible Histories heads to the Big Screen
Horrible Histories is being turned into a movie. The big screen version of the kids' sketch show will be set in Roman Britain and goes into production next year, with plans to make it the first in a series of features.
(CHORTLE)
Play Talk: Jessica Swale on accidentally writing a play...
Jessica Swale's debut play Blue Stockings, the story of women fighting for the right to graduate from Cambridge University in the 1800s, was a huge hit when it was staged at Shakespeare's Globe in 2013.
(EVENING STANDARD)
A Woman at Centre Stage
As her new play, Nell Gwynn, opens at The Globe; Glass talks to award winning playwright and director Jessica Swale, about her work, women in theatre, and the alchemy of writing.
(GLASS MAGAZINE)
‘The people loved her because she was one of them’ - Jessica Swale on her Play Nell Gwynn
Nell Gwynn rose from poverty to become the most celebrated actress of her day and a mistress of King Charles II. And now she is returning to the West End as the subject of Jessica Swale’s acclaimed play Nell Gwynn, first seen at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2015 and to be revived at the Apollo Theatre next month with Gemma Arterton in the title role.
(NICK HERNE)
BBC Radio 4 : Woman’s Hour, Women in Science- Jessica Swale
Getting women into science, and the latest from the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan.
Blue Stockings: The Fight to Graduate with Director Jessica Swale
Blue Stockings: The fight to graduate, with director Jessica Swale, director of Bedlam at the Globe in 2010, talks to David Bellwood about writing Blue Stockings, her play about the 1896...
(SHAKESPEARE GLOBE)
Olivier Awards 2018: The Most Glamorous Looks From the Red Carpet
Playwright Jessica Swale was one of the evening's Time's Up organisers.
(THE TELEGRAPH)
‘Home is where the art is: How creativity helped one woman cope with family crisis’
When playwright Jessica Swale’s life was thrown into turmoil by her father’s illness, she turned to the creativity that had helped shape her identity as a child…
(THE DAILY MAIL)