Robin Hood

[Theta Sigma]

Robin robbed:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_obj...headline=robin-hood-kidnapped--name_page.html

ROBIN HOOD KIDNAPPED
EXCLUSIVE BBC crisis as master tapes of blockbuster stolen.. and gang demand £1m ransom
By Nicola Methven, Tv Editor
EAST European gangsters were thought last night to be behind the £1million ransom demand for stolen master tapes of the BBC's new Robin Hood series.

A Hungarian extra is suspected of stealing the four vital tapes last week from studios in Budapest where the £8million 13-part drama is being edited.


Now TV executives are deciding whether to pay off the crooks or reshoot large chunks of the show.


At worst the series, due to replace Dr Who on Saturday nights from October, could be shelved.


A BBC source told the Mirror:


"This is an absolute disaster. There's no back up recording."


Another insider disclosed: "With the master tapes gone, there's no way the series can start as planned.


Unless we get them back, the programme will have to be delayed.


"The cast are gutted. So much hard work has gone into making this series. They can't believe the tapes have been nicked."

Tiger Aspect, production company behind the new series, is believed to be insured for theft. But it still leaves the long-awaited show in an expensive limbo.

A reshoot of the drama, starring dashing Jonas Armstrong as Robin, would cost a fortune. Many of the actors are already committed to their next projects, which would leave them no time for recreating the Sherwood Forest scenes.

Last night Tiger Aspect and the BBC issued a joint statement about the theft. It said: "Tiger Aspect has been the victim of a break-in in Hungary where Robin Hood is currently being filmed and some high-definition tapes and other equipment have been stolen.


"The thefts are causing inconvenience and have resulted in a delay in finalising some of the episodes. Tiger Aspect is taking all reasonable steps to recover the tapes."


TV bosses invested a massive budget in Robin Hood's return, hoping it could be as successful as the revived Dr Who.


Woods around Budapest were thought to be a perfect atmospheric recreation of 12th century Sherwood Forest.


TV chiefs tried to achieve as much authenticity as possible by having the main cast taught archery, horseriding and fighting skills. More actors were called in to beef up the production plus dozens of Hungarian extras.


As well as Jonas, 25, the series stars Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Lucy Griffiths as Marian and North & South star Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne, the Sheriff's sadistic lieutenant.


The BBC hoped the programme, made up of 45-minute episodes, would be a massive hit and set up a string of multi-million deals to sell it to TV networks around the world. It is the first BBC drama to be filmed in High Definition, the new digital format giving viewers a far sharper picture.


Over the years, Robin Hood and his Merrie Men have been a favourite subject for both the big screen and TV.


Among those who have played Robin are Sean Connery, Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, Kevin Costner and Michael Praed.


The BBC made it first Robin series in 1953 starring Patrick Troughton, later a Dr Who.


It was followed by Richard Greene in the much loved ITC production in 1955-1960.


The last TV adaptation was ITV's 1980s Robin Of Sherwood starring Michael Praed and later Jason Connery.


BBC1 controller Peter Fincham is expected to be furious at the huge security breach that now threatens the show.


Speaking before the theft, he said: "Jonas looks the business as our new Saturday night hero.


"This exciting drama will be a unique blend of exhilarating action adventure, wit and romance - something for all the family."


Armstrong told of his excitement at playing a trendy version of the Prince of Thieves.


He said: "I think we've come up with something cool that's both modern and medieval, with a bit of street. I've even got a hoodie.


"Robin is a total legend. I'm privileged to play a character known and loved by millions."


Last month the BBC gave viewers a taste of what was to come by showing the first teaser trailer for the series.


It featured a flaming arrow flying into the BBC1 logo with the Robin Hood logo and message "Coming Soon" displayed.


A longer trailer with dialogue by many of the characters was previewed in the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre earlier this month for the area's Robin Hood Festival."

 

[Theta Sigma]

The BBC would not confirm that a ransom has been made for the tapes or that they were the only copies. The BBC does say that despite the theft, they will still show the series as planned:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5292348.stm
"Tapes for BBC's Robin Hood stolen

Jonas Armstrong will be playing the new Robin Hood
The new BBC production of Robin Hood, the classic tale of the hero who stole from the rich, has been hit by theft.
A number of tapes were taken from the offices of the independent producers Tiger Aspect in Hungary, where filming of the new series has taken place.

A BBC spokeswoman would not confirm reports of a £1m ransom being demanded for their safe return or that the tapes were the only copies of the series.

She added: "All reasonable steps are being taken to recover the tapes."

The BBC has said that the series will still be shown as planned, despite the theft.

'Inconvenient' theft

BBC news correspondent Barnie Choudhury said Tiger Aspect has described the situation as a "slight inconvenience".

He said: "Either the two companies are trying to play things down or it isn't too drastic at all."

The title role will be played by newcomer Jonas Armstrong, and the cast includes Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham and 19-year-old Lucy Griffiths as Maid Marian.

Sam Troughton will play Robin's manservant Much. His grandfather - Doctor Who star Patrick Troughton - played Robin Hood in a 1953 BBC TV series.

The characters of Will Scarlett, Allan-a-Dale and Little John will also return, but not Friar Tuck.

The 13-part series - written by Dominic Minghella, brother of Oscar-winning director Anthony - is also receiving financial assistance from BBC America, the BBC's US cable channel.

It will be broadcast in the autumn in the same Saturday evening BBC One timeslot as Doctor Who."

 

[Theta Sigma]

Just found out that the tapes has since been recovered.

The series started in the UK a few days ago on October 7.

 

[Majestic]

Interesting, I am actually interested in this series and hope it comes to AUS soon.

 

[Joelteon7]

I watched the last 5 minutes of it and it was absolutely abismal. Some of the worst TV BBC has commissioned in a long time...what a waste of £8 million.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Thanks to someone I know I got to see the first episode yesterday.
The first episode got a negative reaction when it was originally aired last month and it seemed very apt that the title of the episode is Will You Tolerate This?
Personally I don't think this was as awful as everybody said it is but it was not spectacular either.
However was surprised to see as Thornton, John Carlisle because I am also seeing him in his regular role on The Omega Factor on DVD.

 

[Theta Sigma]

The BBC has commissioned a second season:
http://smallscreen.monstersandcritics.com/article_1225580.php/Robin_Hood_back_for_more

"The BBC's Robin Hood has been recommissioned for a second series.

The broadcaster today confirmed that the BBC One show will have another 13 episodes written for airing late next year.

Starring Jonas Armstrong as a thoroughly modern Robin, Lucy Griffiths as Maid Marian and Keith Allen as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, the show has averaged an audience of seven million in its primetime Saturday evening slot.

The BBC claims it has a 29 per cent average share of TV viewers at that time and that a further 500,000 tune in for the repeats on BBC Three.

BBC One controller Peter Fincham said: 'Robin Hood has been a big hit with family audiences, playing in a tough slot on the most competitive night of the week.

'I'm thrilled that we have a new series to look forward to next year.'

The new series will be written by Dominic Minghella and executive produced by Foz Allan and Dominic Minghella for Tiger Aspect and Sarah Brandist for the BBC.

Six more episodes of the current series remain to be aired and filming for the second series will begin in Budapest next spring."

 

[Theta Sigma]

Sunhill Fire who is an insider at the ABC posted at the Outpost Gallifrey Doctor Who forum that the ABC will show the series this year before June.

I have now seen the first four episodes and hopefully I will get to see the other nine episodes of the season on the ABC.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Update from Sunhill Fire:
The series will begin next month.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on the Australian ABC

Robin Hood has been included in the ABC's April ad. Just a couple of scenes and no need to worry about anything spoilerly about them.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on the Australian ABC

Update from Sunhill Fire:
The series will debut on Sunday April 15 at 7:30pm.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on the Australian ABC

After The West Wing this morning saw an ad of Robin Hood which tells us to meet Little John, Marian and Robin Hood and it says that it is coming soon.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on Australian TV

The promotion for Robin Hood is really in earnest as I saw "There's More to Robin Hood" promo last night and the promo played the theme music with arrows coming to the screen.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on Australian TV

The debut of Robin Hood on Sunday April 15 is TV WEEK's Pick of the Day. The reviewer says that this modern take on Robin Hood will be a sure hit with fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and hearts will aquiver with the sight of Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on Australian TV

Episode 3 on Sunday April 29 comes second place in TV WEEK's highlights of the day.

Although no mention of exact figures Andrew Mercado in his weekly reports on television in the Sydney Sunday Telegraph two days ago mentioned that the first Robin Hood episode were among the shows that benefitted from 7's decision to rest its hit shows during Easter saying that it took a slice of 7's audience on its debut night April 15.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on Australian ABC

Turk Flu:
That was such a shock seeing John fall to that shaft.
The old storyline of Robin at the archery contest is incorporated here and it is well handled.
Had a laugh to the Sheriff's reaction of hearing the words "mine" and "fire" together.
Djaq joining the band, now that was a surprise.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

This version of the classic tale has recently started airing on BBC America, so I've been able to see it. I've got the last few recorded on my DVR and need to watch them.

Also, things have progressed a bit from the episode discussed in the previous post.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on Australian ABC

Yesterday I bought the DVD boxset as a result of missing the second half of episode 6 a couple of weeks ago due to a blackout.

This means that I will not be watching a complete episode of Robin Hood on the ABC anytime soon.

As I said before I had already seen the first four episodes before the series debut. I also saw the first 10 minutes of episode 5 before seeing the rest on its ABC broadcast. Episode 6 I have already explained and I had a set a timer for episodes 7 and 8 as I had to be out on those two nights.

Therefore I will seeing the remaining five episodes of the first season from the DVD and not from the ABC.

Episode 9 on Sunday June 10 comes second place in TV WEEK's highlights of the day.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Tattoo? What Tattoo?:
I think this is one of the series better episodes.
I thought the tension was played out well and it is brilliant how the title of the episode came to fruition in the episode.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Three days ago I finished the first season from DVD and the last two episodes which would be shown on the Australian ABC on July 1 and 8 respectively are definitely ones for Australian viewers to watch.

Australian viewers who have been disappointed with the series so far will not be disappointed with these last two episodes.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Three days ago I finished the first season from DVD and the last two episodes which would be shown on the Australian ABC on July 1 and 8 respectively are definitely ones for Australian viewers to watch.

Australian viewers who have been disappointed with the series so far will not be disappointed with these last two episodes.

Episode 12 is now four days away on Australian ABC and it is included for TV WEEK's highlights for that day coming in at third place. Definitely a must see.

 

[Theta Sigma]

On Australian TV:
Keith Allen (the Sheriff) was a guest on Parkinson on the ABC on the Saturday that has just gone by.
At the time of this program Robin Hood had taken a break from filming due to Jonas Armstrong (Robin) having an injury and this was mentioned by Allen in Parkinson. Nothing much to say about Allen's appearance on Parkinson except what he said was very disturbing.

I also saw the 1991 Robin Hood movie starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman on 7 on the weekend. This version was released in the same year as the Kevin Costner version.

The Patrick Bergin version was pretty dull.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Season 2 Press Release:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/09_september/21/robin.shtml

"Robin Hood arrows in for a second series
Date: 21.09.2007

Introduction

Robin Hood arrows in for a second series, starting soon on BBC one. Made by Tiger Aspect Productions, the drama proved a huge hit with Saturday night viewers last year.

Starring Jonas Armstrong, Lucy Griffiths, Keith Allen and Richard Armitage, the show struck a chord with family audiences and in one of the most competitive slots on TV gained average ratings of 7 million for the first seven episodes in 2006.

The critics also lined up to praise the series. The Daily Mail called it "rip-roaring, great entertainment for all the family", the Daily Mirror commented that "the Beeb spoil us with yet another fab adaptation of an old classic", the Times opined that "new Robin rules the Hood", while Chris Moyles on BBC Radio 1 said simply that the series was "absolutely brilliant".

Once again written by co-creator and executive producer Dominic Minghella, the 13-part series features an outstanding, magnetic cast.

The drama centres on the charismatic Robin Hood (Jonas Armstrong), who leads his gang of outlaws in Sherwood Forest. Using outrageous scams, disguises, tricks, ingenuity, breathtaking archery and swordplay, the band of brothers attempt to outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen) and his sadistic lieutenant Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage).

In this series, shot in eye-catching locations near Budapest in Hungary, Robin is aided in his quest by his feisty, kick-ass love interest Marian (Lucy Griffiths) and his loyal troupe of outlaws, Much (Sam Troughton), Little John (Gordon Kennedy), Allan A Dale (Joe Armstrong), Will Scarlett (Harry Lloyd) and Djaq (Anjali Jay).

Jane Tranter, Controller of BBC Fiction, says: "The cast have engaged and delighted a whole new generation with this fresh and modern retelling of Robin Hood. Keith Allen's captivating portrayal of the menacing Sheriff, coupled with the great performances from our young cast headed up by Jonas Armstrong, equals compelling drama."

Foz Allan, co-executive producer with Dominic Minghella and Sarah Brandist, adds that: "We are delighted to be returning and that audiences seem to have really taken to the series and its characters. What continues to be exciting about Robin Hood is not only Dominic Minghella's scripts but working with such fantastic new young talent."

In this series, which also features such notable guest stars as Dexter Fletcher, Ralf Little, David Bamber, Josie Lawrence, Denis Lawson, Tony Slattery, Mathew Horne, Charlie Brooks and Lynda Bellingham, Robin is in even greater peril than before as he tries to foil the Sheriff and Guy's evil scheme to hire a mercenary troop of Black Knights to assassinate King Richard and put Prince John on the throne.

Foz explains how Robin has moved on since the last series: "The biggest development is that the stakes have been upped considerably. The Sheriff is involved in what in modern parlance would be called 'regime change'. So when Robin clashes with the Sheriff now, it's as much about the very soul of England as taking from the rich and giving to the poor.

"Robin's relationship with Marian has also taken on an extra dimension. They have declared their love for each other, but she puts herself in genuine danger by spying on the Sheriff at the castle for Robin. That also ups the ante."

The executive producer carries on that, in addition to the magnitude of the prize he is fighting for, the character of Robin has also evolved. According to Allan: "Robin is much more of a leader and decision-maker this year. His choices and dilemmas are that much greater because the stakes are so much higher. If Robin has to kill someone in order to prevent a catastrophe, then with respect, that's what he will do."

Dominic observes that Robin Hood remains a perennially magnetic figure: "He's an eternally popular character because there's a natural sense of justice about him. He's a proper, quintessentially English folk hero, with a heart of oak.

"one of the things about Robin that chimes with audiences today is that he crosses the class divide. He's a noble who champions the poor, and there is something timelessly appealing about that. He is an unquestionable hero and people warm to that."

Foz concludes: "If you liked Robin last year, you will like him even more this time. He was a boy last year, but this year he is very much a man. He has bulked up and is a more imposing, sexy and manly figure now.

"We've cranked up the jeopardy and the tension, and even more than before you're guaranteed fabulous entertainment in you living room every Saturday night for the next 13 weeks.""

Season 2 begins in the UK on October 6.

 

[Theta Sigma]

To Australian viewers:
I read somewhere on the net that someone wrote that season 2 will be on the ABC in April 2008.

As far as I can tell April 2008 is probably an assumption due to the fact that season 1 began in April of this year.

 

[Theta Sigma]

To Australian viewers:
TV WEEK responded to a letter of when season 2 will be shown on the ABC and says that the ABC does not have the licence to air it until February 2008.

 

[Theta Sigma]

To Australian viewers:
Just before Jam and Jerusalem came on two nights ago, the ABC showed an ad in which Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood says that new episodes are coming soon on the ABC.

 

[Theta Sigma]

To Australian viewers:
Just before Jam and Jerusalem came on two nights ago, the ABC showed an ad in which Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood says that new episodes are coming soon on the ABC.

After ABC News hours ago it was Lucy Griffiths' (as Marian) turn to announce new episodes coming soon but still no date on when that will be.

 

[Theta Sigma]

To Australian viewers:
Checked with the tv guides and season 2 will start on the ABC on Sunday February 3 7:30pm.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Robin Hood on Australian ABC

Sisterhood:
A very good opening to season 2.
Sara Stewart is wonderfully good as the Sheriff's sister Davinia and I thought her delivery of the line "A clue-no" was better than Keith Allen's as the Sheriff.
A recurring plot is introduced with Allan becoming a spy for Gisbourne. Oh no.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Booby and the Beast:
Could not believe the title of this episode when I saw it on-screen.
Quite fun.
Djaq looked really good in a dress and so funny when the Sheriff hit the soldiers towards the end of the episode.