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Skellig (film)

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Skellig
Written byIrena Brignull
David Almond
Directed byAnnabel Jankel
StarringTim Roth
Bill Milner
Skye Bennett
John Simm
Kelly Macdonald
Jermaine Allen
Theme music composerStep Warbeck
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerNick Hirschkorn
Running time102 minutes
Original release
Release12 April 2009 (2009-04-12)

Skellig (known in North America as Skellig: The Owl Man) is a 2009 British fantasy television film directed by Annabel Jankel and starring Tim Roth in the title role. The screenplay by Irena Brignull is based on David Almond's novel of the same name.[1]

Plot

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Secondary school student Michael Cooper moves to a decrepit house, with his parents and baby sister. Michael feels abandoned by them, when they take care of their daughter. Due to Michael's inability to accept her sister, he notices her suffering a heart condition and she is sent to the hospital. Michael investigates the dilapidated garden shed and meets Skellig, a man with owl wings. Michael befriends a girl named Mina, who is equally intrigued by Skellig. When the couple argue about moving away, Michael brings Skellig outside and Dave destroys the shed. Michael and Mina take Skellig to a tall tower, where Skellig reveals his magical ability. The condition of the baby girl worsens and Michael frequently visits the hospital, where he meets a dying woman named Grace. Encouraged by Michael, Skellig allegedly visits the hospital to save the baby, whom Michael and his parents named Grace Joy. Some time later, Skellig spends time with Michael and Mina.

Cast

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Production

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The film was part of Sky 1's plan to invest £10 million in producing three new high-definition dramas.[2] Filming started on 2 September 2008 in Caerphilly in Wales with scenes shot in and around Cardiff, Wales.[3][4] Cast members included Roth, Milner, Skye Bennett, Kelly Macdonald and John Simm.[5] The film was scripted by Irena Brignull and directed by Annabel Jankel.[3] It aired on Sky 1 on 12 April 2009.

Awards

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  • Won - Cinekid Film Award - Honorable Mention
  • Nominated - RTS Television Award for Best Effects in Picture Enhancement
  • Nominated - RTS Television Award for Best Effects in Special Effects
  • Nominated - RTS Television Award for Best Make-Up Design
  • Nominated - VES Awards for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Mini-Series or Series
  • Nominated - PI.CA for Everything

Notes

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  1. ^ Shepherd, Rob (2 September 2008). "Tim Roth to star in Sky 1's Skellig". Broadcastnow. Emap. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
  2. ^ West, Dave (19 March 2008). "Sky One sets three major HD series". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
  3. ^ a b Holmwood, Leigh (2 September 2008). "Tim Roth to don wings as Skellig". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
  4. ^ Bignell, Paul (14 September 2008). "On location: California, Cannes... and now Cardiff". The Independent.
  5. ^ Fletcher, Alex (2 September 2008). "Tim Roth confirmed for 'Skellig' cast". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
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