From Novels to the Big Screen

I went to the cinema twice in a row. My Love and I treated ourselves with “John Carter” last night and just a few hours earlier, we’ve watched another movie called “The Hunger Games”. Needless to say, these two movies are… unique in their own ways given the fact that they both are of the same genre of fiction -- sci-fi action (such a popular genre!).

Another interesting similarity and one fact which somewhat annoys me quite a bit -- these two movies are based on novels. Such a popular concept these days, isn’t it? Making films out of detailed novels. I do think that novel writers tend to be very creative when it comes to the plot or story-telling; however, the logic is always out of this world, which audience/readers can easily accept. It’s really impossible for the movie to get all the plot right so the results of these film adaptations could go either way; it can get horribly wrong, or it can be decent, if not great.

Fact is… Most novels these days are written in series, at least those that I’ve read, which means that there are always going to be sequel(s). It’s like watching TV series, but the wait are months/year apart.

I’m an avid Julie Garwood and Nora Roberts fan, so I’m waiting to see if their romance novel will get their chances on the big screen. I know some of Nora Roberts’ novels have already been adapted into movies, but I’m still hoping to see one on the cinema instead of my TV, or Laptop. I’m not counting on the romance part though. Mind you… these two authors have sense of humor and they respect the bond that ties people together, whether by blood, marriage or others…

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Will Erica Durance be getting involved with this kind of project? She nearly gets that... but for some reason, Kristin Kreuk replaced her in that project Erica was supposed to be part of. Sheesh!

Anyways… I’m still contemplating whether I should try writing reviews again… hmm.

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"Saving Hope" Could be My Future Obsession

I didn't realise that it's been almost a year since the last time I swooned over a TV show. I remember Smallville's last episode aired in May last year, and it was such a spectacular ending to a show that had been broadcasted on TV for 10 years.

I didn't think that I'd be as fanatic as I was with Smallville for another TV show (which doesn't include Reality TV show, which I somewhat enjoy watching occasionally), but it looks like Erica Durance's future TV show, Saving Hope, might just be the one to catch me back in the fanatic fans' zone.

Here's the press release for this upcoming show:

NBC To Become U.S. Broadcaster For New CTV Drama Series SAVING HOPE

• Series is from award-winning producers Ilana Frank and David Wellington
• Principal photography set to begin March 12 in Toronto
• Series set for summer debut on CTV and NBC

Erica Durance stars as Dr. Alex Reid in SAVING HOPE

Los Angeles/Toronto, ON (March 1, 2012) – Leading independent studio Entertainment One (eOne) and Canada’s #1 television network CTV are proud to jointly announce that NBC has come on board as the U. S. broadcaster of Ilana C Frank Films’ new one-hour original drama series, SAVING HOPE. In November, CTV announced it had ordered 12 one-hour episodes of the series, joining a pilot shot last summer. Premiering this summer on CTV and NBC, principal photography is set to begin March 12 in Toronto.

In addition to acting as the deficit financier, eOne will also handle the international television distribution of the series in all media including all television, DVD/Blu-ray, VOD and digital exploitation.

“With NBC now on board, this is another huge success for Bell Media’s independent production team and demonstrates yet again our commitment to producing high-calibre, engaging and compelling original programming,” said Phil King, President, CTV Programming & Sports. “This captivating new series is sure to resonate with Canadian viewers as well as viewers south of the border.”

Starring Erica Durance (SMALLVILLE), Michael Shanks (STARGATE ATLANTIS), Daniel Gillies, (THE VAMPIRE DIARIES), Huse Madhavji (COMBAT HOSPITAL, STAR! DAILY), Julia Taylor-Ross (ROOKIE BLUE), and Kristopher Turner (ROOKIE BLUE, THE LISTENER), the series is from acclaimed Gemini award-winning producers Ilana Frank and David Wellington (THE ELEVENTH HOUR, WOULD BE KINGS, ROOKIE BLUE).

In SAVING HOPE, when charismatic Chief of Surgery Charlie Harris (Shanks) at Toronto’s Hope-Zion Hospital ends up in a coma, he leaves the hospital in chaos – and his fiancée and fellow surgeon, Alex Reid (Durance), in a state of shock. Along with newly-arrived star surgeon, Joel Goran (Daniel Gillies, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES), Alex races to save Harris’ life. As the action unfolds, comatose Dr. Harris explores the hospital halls in “spirit” form, not sure if he’s a ghost or a figment of his own imagination. Reid, along with her fellow doctors, press on to save his life and those of their other patients, as they deal with the complicated and courageous decisions that are made in their daily struggle to keep hope alive.

SAVING HOPE is produced by Ilana C Frank Films (“ICFF”) with Entertainment One, in association with CTV and NBC. The series is executive produced by Ilana Frank and David Wellington for ICFF, John Morayniss (THE FIRM, HAVEN) for Entertainment One and Lesley Harrison. Executive Producers and Showrunners are Morwyn Brebner (ROOKIE BLUE) and Aaron Martin (BEING ERICA). The series was created by Malcolm MacRury (CRASH AND BURN, REPUBLIC OF DOYLE) and Morwyn Brebner. David Wellington directed the pilot. For Bell Media, Trish Williams is Director, Drama, Independent Production; Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production; Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. Phil King is President, CTV Programming & Sports.

Well... What do you think?

It's quite  obvious that the show only caught my attention due to Erica Durance's involvement in the project. However, I think now... the reason it gets deep into me is far from that fact. Every time I get new words on this show, each time I found myself excited, and the excitement is still growing.

Michael Shanks, who happened to portray one of Smallville's recurring hero, Hawkman a.k.a Carter Hall, in a very short amount of time, had captured my heart (You should know, I'm very partial towards the Smallville casts, whether he/she is the series regular or not). In Saving Hope, he will portray a character who is engaged to Erica Durance's character... and since Erica has always perfected her chemistry with Michael Shanks, I found myself wanting this new "relationship" to work. I might be too early to judge, but I think I'm already a shipper. Oh My... I didn't think that I'd be THAT again. It really is scary to be one, especially when you became to fanatic one.

Saving Hope is set to premiere on NBC -- Thursday, June 7, 10-11 p.m. ET. WOW! In the same month of Erica's birthday... Exactly 14 days before her turning of 34. ;) So excited!

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Victoria Shows Her Culinery Skill

Victoria Beckham posted two tweets regarding her involvement with her sons’ school project. Apparently, Romeo and Cruz are celebrating international food day at their Los Angeles school… and supermom Beckham has prepared some traditional British food.

Here are some excerpts from ContactMusic.com

Alongside a picture of some Union Jack-themed stickers and mini-flags, she first tweeted: ''School project!! International food day for Romeo and Cruz, started preparing x vb (sic)''

She then posted a picture of her finished goods and added: ''Just finished cooking! Very proud to be British! X vb''

No doubt David was impressed by his wife's selection of British snacks - which included sausage rolls and cheese and pineapple on sticks - as it has previously been revealed he frequently visits a specialist shop in Los Angeles to get the UK treats he misses…

Full article HERE.

I do love reading about the Beckhams, especially when it comes to the kids...

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