ISOLATION STORIES AND RAY DONOVAN - EDDIE MARSAN INTERVIEW
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Eddie Marsan in, Isolation Stories
What do actors do during a pandemic when they are itching to get back to work? They shoot quality shorts films in their homes using their family as crew!!
BritBox, the streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV offering the largest collection of streaming British television in North America, announces a new original, Isolation Stories, a limited series reflecting what families are going through after weeks of isolation. The series debuted exclusively on June 23rd.
Produced by Oscar nominated writer and producer Jeff Pope (Philomena, A Confession) and his Factual Drama label part of ITV Studios, the four-episode event will feature a roster of top names including Sheridan Smith (Mrs. Biggs, Gavin & Stacey), Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan, Little Dorrit), Angela Griffin (Coronation Street, Wild Bill), Darren Boyd (Killing Eve, Dirk Gently), David Threlfall (Shameless, Ripper Street), Michael Jibson (Quiz, 1917), Leanne Best (Line of Duty, Cold Feet), Philip Jackson (Poirot, The Good Karma Hospital), Robert Glenister (Hustle, Law & Order: UK) and his son Tom Glenister (Vera, Doc Martin).
“Sometimes all we have left is storytelling. I wanted to try and add the voice of writers, actors and directors to the crisis engulfing the world, to hold up a mirror to families living in isolation and to reflect what we were going through,” stated Executive Producer, Jeff Pope. “These stories were written in just days and then filmed in the most challenging conditions ever faced by drama crews - but in an amazing spirit of togetherness actors and technicians came together to create these stunning short films.
We were never in the same room together and all the filming was carried out by the actors’ families, but the results were astonishing and will live long in the memory of those involved.”
Eddie Marsan as Terry Donovan in, ray Donovan
Veteran actor Eddie Marsan, who has been in dozens of films and stars as terry Donovan in the hits TV series, Ray Donovan is featured in one of the Isolation Stories called, Karen, sees a grandad (David Threlfall) try to bring his broken family together by stopping off outside his grandkids window on his way to the grocery store. But his son-in-law (Eddie Marsan) isn’t too happy as he tries to come to terms with his wife Karen leaving him. Eddie’s real life sons star in the episode alongside their dad and help depict the challenges of a struggling single father.
“Isolation Stories was assembled under conditions that production companies have never had to tackle before,” said BritBox President, Soumya Sriraman. “It’s a testament to the innovative spirit of the entertainment industry and we look forward to sharing it with our viewers, many of whom are likely facing similar situations that run the gauntlet of emotions.”
Isolation Stories
The series was filmed observing the strict rules of lockdown with actors and their families filming the scenes themselves, guided remotely by an array of acclaimed directors including Paul Whittington (The Crown, Hatton Garden,), Paul Andrew Williams (A Confession, Broadchurch), Louise Hooper (Flesh & Blood, Colby Street) and David Blair (The Street, Accused). The team watched footage via their laptops giving advice to the actors and their family members about camera positioning, scene composition and lighting. International distribution of Isolation Stories is handled by ITV Studios.
I spoke with Eddie via ZOOM from his home in London where we chatted about Isolation Stories, the “hopeful”. future of Ray Donovan after it was abruptly cancelled without a satisfying ending for fans and much more. Check out our interview below and enjoy!!
BritBox is available for $8.99 per month—after an introductory free trial period—on Roku®, Apple TV 4th Gen, Samsung, LG and all iOS and Android devices, AirPlay, Chromecast, and online at www.britbox.com/ca. BritBox is also available on Amazon Channels for Prime members and on Apple TV Channels on supported devices.