London Screenings: Russian, Ukrainian Buyers Pull Out, But Week of Events Kicks Off in Stride (EXCLUSIVE)

As schools, shops and businesses across the UK raise funds for Red Nose Day 2022, here’s what you need to know about Comic Relief – and when Red Nose Day beganEvery mid-March, people all over the UK don iconic red noses and take part in fundraising activities to raise money to help to end child poverty and hunger. The UK’s funny fundraising campaign, spearheaded by Comic Relief, sees Red Nose Day held every two years – with schools, businesses and celebrities raising money to help aid Comic Relief’s mission of tackling poverty in the UK and across the world.

Editors note: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had tragic consequences for the Ukrainian people, and the wider ramifications of the conflict are only beginning to be understood. As the West imposes economic sanctions on Russia, the country is facing a period of isolation unseen since the Cold War. Deadline invited one high-profile Russian producer to pen a column discussing their perspective on the situation. At their request they are being kept anonymous for fear of reprisal from Putin’s government as it cracks down on free speech.

Richard Ashcroft has announced a show in London as part of this year’s South Facing Festival.The former Verve frontman will make a headline appearance at the Crystal Palace Bowl on Saturday, August 6. He’ll be joined on the night by some “special guests” who are yet to be confirmed.Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT this Friday (March 18) – buy yours here.

Penny Lancaster has revealed she has made her first arrest as a police officer after pulling over a drug driving suspect.

Taron Egerton returned to play the lead in Mike Bartlett’s play Cock last night after fainting in Saturday’s debut performance.

Just off Chester Road, overlooked by the tower cranes and skyscrapers of Manchester's never-ending building boom, there's a little corner of the city that's steeped in history.

Good afternoon Insider team. Max Goldbart back in the saddle for your weekly dose of news as the Russia/Ukraine invasion continues to have huge ramifications for the film and TV world and vice versa.

EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s Stan and 9Network have commenced production on Bali 2002, based on the terrorist attacks on the nation’s tourist hotspots 20 years ago, with distributor Banijay Rights launching at yesterday’s London Screenings showcase.

EXCLUSIVE: The excitement surrounding Steven Knight’s upcoming big-budget BBC war thriller Rogue Heroes has ramped up another notch with buyers in Europe, Canada and Australia acquiring the drama.

EXCLUSIVE: Banijay’s Benelux division has been commissioned for a Lego Masters-style balloon-making competition format and an Into the Wild spin-off of global hit Hunted.

Naman Ramachandran The 2022 London Screenings (March 1-4) unfold next week in a capital where COVID-19 restrictions have just been removed entirely, and buyers from all around the world are expected to attend in person and virtually to acquire the best of British and international programming. All the major distributors have a plethora of content to offer across genres and formats, and a series of screenings, meetings and events are taking place both in-person and online.Variety has surveyed the goods from international distributors including Banijay Rights, Fremantle, Entertainment One, Endeavor Content, BBC Studios, Blue Ant International, DCD Rights, Passion Distribution, Studiocanal, All3Media International, ITV Studios, TVF International, Boss Nova, Rabbit Films, Warner Bros.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Kodi Smit-McPhee are continuing their tour around the world while promoting The Power of the Dog!

Bolton Conservative MP Mark Logan has defended renting out a flat he owns in London while claiming expenses for separate accommodation in the city.

A Conservative MP from Bolton is claiming £27,000 each year on expenses to pay for accommodation in London - despite already owning a flat in the city.

London Grammar have announced details of a new London show as part of this year’s South Facing Festival.The band will perform at the Crystal Palace Bowl amphitheatre in Crystal Palace Park on July 29, with support coming from George Fitzgerald and Tora-I + Oklou (DJ set).The show is part of the open-air concert series which began last year, and will this year run from July 29 to August 21.Tickets for London Grammar’s show go on general sale at 11am on Monday (February 28) and can be purchased here.We're over the moon to welcome @londongrammar & @georgefitzmusic to South Facing 2022!Tickets go on sale Friday 25th February.

EXCLUSIVE: Irish Film London, the London-based organization championing Irish film, TV and animation across the UK, has named Carey Fitzgerald as Chair Person of its Board of Directors.