New gems from the ITN Archive - Jan 2024

Newly digitised from the tape vaults – two extended interviews and footage of rehearsals with Ian McKellen, filmed during his 1984 Coriolanus production at the National Theatre, for a profile by Channel 4 News arts correspondent Stephen Phillips. McKellen also discussed his other stage and screen roles (which included the first TV movie broadcast on Channel 4), his working methods, and working with Judi Dench.

Also newly digitised – in 1989, Stephen Phillips interviewed Anthony Hopkins for the UK production of M. Butterfly, a reimagined stage adaptation of the opera. Also included – footage of the cast rehearsing, and an interview with playwright David Henry Hwang.

Newly uploaded – 3 reports on Dame Peggy Ashcroft, including tributes by colleagues including Judi Dench, and footage of Richard Attenborough presenting her with her 1985 Academy Award.

This year’s BAFTA Film Awards longlist will be announced on Friday, with the annual ceremony held in February. We’ve uploaded some more rushes from previous events, with stars including Nicole Kidman, Harvey Keitel, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Elton John, and many more.

And another newly-uploaded report as get into awards season – Channel 4’s Nick Glass reports on the build-up to the 1993 Oscars ceremony, interviewing Academy members on the voting process, and distributors on their campaigning methods.

In the 80s and 90s, there was considerable controversy in the UK over violence in cinema – including over the release of OIiver Stone’s Natural Born Killers (based on a story by Tarantino), as reported by Channel 4’s Nick Glass. We’ve also digitised and uploaded the rushes from this report.

We’ve also digitised and uploaded a 1992 interview with director Oliver Stone, on his film JFK, and conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s assassination.