New Releases: Ponies, Finding Emily & more

A Cold War spy thriller, a Working Title rom-com and an Olivier Award-winning play brought to screen — not a bad week's work for our community. 

First up, Ponies arrived on Sky and NOW — all eight episodes dropping at once. Set in Moscow in 1977, the series follows Bea and Twila, two women working as secretaries at the American Embassy — dismissed as "PONIES", or persons of no interest in intelligence speak. When their husbands are killed under mysterious circumstances in the USSR, the pair are pulled into the world of CIA operations and Cold War paranoia, fighting to uncover the conspiracy that made them widows. Starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson — and with Guild member Mark Kinsella (Supervising Producer) right at the heart of it. 

Then, into cinemas for something altogether warmer. Finding Emily is a brand new British romantic comedy from Working Title Films — the powerhouse behind Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary — filmed entirely on location in Manchester. When a lovesick musician is given the wrong number for his dream girl, he teams up with a driven psychology student to find her — sparking a campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts along the way. Three Guild members were central to the production: Angela Moneke (Executive Producer), Douglas Cox (Co-Producer) and Miguel Pariente (Financial Controller) — and Miguel is this week's Member in Focus in the newsletter. Head to the link to read his full interview. 

And rounding out a remarkable week, Dear England launches on BBC One on Sunday 24th May — something to look forward to as we head into the weekend. Based on James Graham's Olivier Award-winning play, the four-part drama follows Gareth Southgate as he takes the helm of the England men's football team — bringing in psychologist Pippa Grange to help confront decades of hurt and guide a nation back to belief. Joseph Fiennes leads as Southgate, alongside Jodie Whittaker and Jason Watkins. Guild member Jane Glover served as Financial Controller on this brilliant production — and it promises to be unmissable Sunday night television.

Ponies (Sky/NOW)

Members on Production: Mark Kinsella

Partners: BCD Media & Entertainment, Loop Talent, Panavision, TPH Global

Finding Emily (Working Title)

Members on Production: Angela Moneke,Douglas Cox, Miguel Pariente

Partners: 6ft From the Spotlight, BCD Media & Entertainment, CAMA, Filming in England, Loop Talent, Saffrey LLP, Screen Manchester, Team Engine, TPH Global, Trevanna London Ltd

Dear England (BBC/iPlayer)

Members on Production: Jane Glover

Partners: Partners: Entertainment Partners, Harbor, Media Insurance Brokers Ltd, Mission Digital, Loop Talent, Panavision, Sara Putt Associates, Team Engine