The BFI London Film Festival has begun and we’ve got a lot of great films for your radar! Featuring drama, comedy, coming of age tales, and family favourites – there’s plenty to get stuck into. Keep your eyes peeled for their releases to UK cinemas and platforms.
Chicken Run – BELLA RAMSEY and IMELDA STAUNTON
The much anticipated return of Chicken Run is here with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, almost two decades later than the first stop-motion classic. BELLA RAMSEY voices Molly, the offspring of jailbreak birds Rocky and Ginger who’s peaceful life away from Tweedy’s Farm is disrupted by a new looming threat…
Also featuring in this stop-motion blockbuster is Bespoke’s IMELDA STAUNTON who is reprising her role of Bunty in the franchise. The Aardman Animated film will be available to watch on Netflix from December 15th.
BELLA RAMSEY
As well as roles in His Dark Materials, Catherine Called Birdy and Game of Thrones, Bella can currently be seen in the new HBO series The Last of Us where they play lead Ellie Williams.
A younger voice, Bella reads with high energy and animation, having voiced the titular role in the TV series and movie Hilda, as well as the role of Whisper on the podcast series Impact Winter.
Listen to Bella’s voice reels here.
IMELDA STAUNTON
The impeccably British Imelda can currently be seen in Netflix’s The Crown as Queen Elizabeth II; she is also widely known for her roles of Maud Bagshaw in Downton Abbey and Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter.
A bright RP, Imelda stands out as a highly versatile voice artist with credits including Paddington, Arthur Christmas, numerous audiobooks such as The Gruffalo and other Julia Donaldson classics - a highly experienced and sought-after read, Imelda is a fabulous choice for a recognisable casting.
Listen to Imelda’s voice reels here.
Book of Clarence – BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH stars in Jeymes Samuel’s Book of Clarence. The British filmmaker’s upcoming film follows Clarence, a man who embarks to join the Messiah’s apostles. Set in the biblical era of AD33, Samuel features notable figures such as Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and John the Baptist, however he finds “fresh ways and perspectives to talk about these stories.” Vanity Fair
The Book of Clarence comes to the London Film Festival this month but will be released in theatres on January 12, 2024.
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
In voice, Benedict has recently narrated Disney’s Super/Natural documentary series and is recognisable as as the voices of The Grinch, Shere Khan in Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, and the deadly Smaug in The Hobbit franchise.
Listen to Benedict’s voice reels here.
The End We Start From – BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH and ANSU KABIA
When Britain is victim to catastrophic floods, a mother must risk it all to ensure the survival of her family and her newborn baby. A gripping adaptation of Megan Hunter’s apocalyptic novel, BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH and ANSU KABIA star in The End We Start From. This dystopian film showcases the anxieties of motherhood when in the face of danger - an emotional and poignant tale of a survival against all the odds.
The End We Start From comes to cinemas 24th January 2024.
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
Globally recognised as the heroic Doctor Strange and the captivating Sherlock Holmes, Benedict is a household, international name of note
Listen to Benedict’s voice reels here.
ANSU KABIA
Ansu is best known for playing Moses in the first two seasons of Miss Scarlett and the Duke with his other TV credits include the BBC drama World on Fire, Michaela Cole's HBO series I May Destroy You and The Sandman. He will be seen in the upcoming Snow White adaptation as the Huntsman.
His deep resonant voice infuses grandeur into any voice over project, effortlessly adapting to various styles and tones of narration.
Listen to Ansu’s voice reels here.
One Life – HELENA BONHAM CARTER
HELENA BONHAM CARTER stars as Babi in One Life, the mother of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton – a London banker who saved 669 children during WWII from the Nazis, and whose identity remained a secret until 50 years later. This incredible true story, directed by James Hawes, has been adapted by Barbara Winton’s book: If it’s not impossible… The life of Sir Nicholas Winton which was published in 2014.
The film releases to UK cinemas on the 5th January.
HELENA BONHAM CARTER
Recognised globally for her versatility, Helena holds a wide range of vocal capabilities showcased in the electric Bellatrix Lestrange, the eloquent Princess Margaret, the dangerous Mrs Lovett and many, many more. Helena sparks life into any character with such a distinguishable and energetic voice.
Listen to Helena’s voice reels here.
The Sweet East – RISH SHAH
The Sweet East, starring RISH SHAH, tells the story of young Lilian Ryder who separates from her school trip to Washington DC and embarks on a road trip along the North Coast of America. Following it’s run at Cannes Film Festival, The Sweet East is hailing a sell out run during its screenings at the BFI during London Film Festival 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on its release.
RISH SHAH
Rish reads with a youthful and upbeat energy. He can be seen as Ms. Marvel’s Kamran and more recently, Russ in Do Revenge to add to his earlier roles in Emmerdale and India Sweets and Spices.
A naturally smooth voice, Rish can perform a wide age range and is a great pick for energetic scripts and lively character roles.
Listen to Rish’s voice reels here.