Chuck Chuck Baby
| Chuck Chuck Baby | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Janis Pugh |
| Screenplay by | Janis Pugh |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Sarah Cunningham |
| Edited by | Rebecca Lloyd |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Studio Soho |
Release date |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Chuck Chuck Baby is a 2023 British musical romance film, written and directed by Janis Pugh.
Synopsis
[edit]Helen works in a chicken factory in present day North Wales, while caring for Gwen, a mother-figure in her life. However, the return of her adolescent crush, Joanne, regains some of the joie de vivre she has lost, even though Joanne is battling her own demons. The film contains musical elements.[1][2]
Cast
[edit]- Annabel Scholey as Joanne
- Louise Brealey as Helen
- Sorcha Cusack as Gwen
- Celyn Jones as Gary
- Emily Fairn as Amy
- Edyta Budnik as Katrina
Production
[edit]The film is written and directed by Janis Pugh in her feature-length debut.[3] The film has funding from BBC Film, as well as the BFI and Ffilm Cymru Wales, receiving National Lottery funding. It was developed by Ffilm Cymru Wales, the BFI and Artemisia Films. For Artemisia, Anne Beresford and Andrew Gillman are producing the project. Adam Partridge of Delta Pictures and Peggy Cafferty of Play House Studios are also producing. Executive producers include Kimberley Warner for Ffilm Cymru Wales, Lizzie Francke for the BFI, Mary Fisher and Max Fisher for MDF, Kathleen Glynn and Lorcan Kavanagh for Play House Studios and Jim Reeve for Great Point Media.[4] The film features songs from the 1960s and 1970s.[5]
Filming
[edit]Filming took place in Wales. Principal photography started in March 2022.[6] Filming locations included the Flint and Mostyn areas.[7]
Release
[edit]The film was selected by the BFI and British Council for the Great8 showcase at the 2023 Cannes Marché.[8]
The film had its world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival on August 18, 2023.[9] In March 2024, Studio Soho acquired distribution rights to the film for the United Kingdom and Ireland.[10]
Reception
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 24 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The website's consensus reads: "Deftly balancing the moods of kitchen sink drama and buoyant romantic comedy, Chuck Chuck Baby is a winning first feature effort from writer-director Janis Pugh."[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Chuck Chuck Baby". BBC.Co.Uk. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (July 5, 2023). "Edinburgh Film Festival Reveals Lineup And Official Venue Partners For 2023 Edition". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Ferguson, Brian (July 6, 2023). "When is the Edinburgh International Film Festival? These are 14 highlights in the 2023 comeback programme". The Scotsman. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ "JANIS PUGH'S MUSICAL DRAMA CHUCK CHUCK BABY STARTS FILMING IN NORTH WALES". Ffilm Cymru Wales. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Warner, Sam (March 22, 2022). "Sherlock and Doctor Who stars lead new musical set in a chicken factory". Digital Spy. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Tabbara, Mona (March 22, 2022). "UK chicken factory musical 'Chuck Chuck Baby' starts shooting in Wales (exclusive)". Screen Daily. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ "Movie set in North Wales chicken factory filming in Flint". Leader Live. April 5, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Tabbara, Mona (May 9, 2023). "'Chuck Chuck Baby', 'Starve Acre', 'Layla' among UK's Great 8 showcase at Cannes 2023". Screen Daily. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ Tabbara, Mona (July 6, 2023). "Edinburgh film festival one-off edition includes world premiere of 'Chuck Chuck Baby'". Screen Daily. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Tabbara, Mona (March 14, 2024). "Janis Pugh's 'Chuck Chuck Baby' sells to North America, UK-Ireland". Screen International. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
- ^ "Chuck Chuck Baby". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 25, 2024.