'BBC SCREENING OF TEENAGE KICKS-thE UNDERTONES'

Press Release: Fri 2 November 2001

'Teenage Kicks- The Undertones', the recently completed film by Derry-based Perfect Cousin Productions Ltd, gets it's first TV screening on BBC 1 on Wed 7 November at 10.35pm.

There were two versions of the film produced; one for BBC transmission, which is 39 minutes long and a 'film version' made for festivals and cinema screenings, which has a 72-minute duration.

The film version of 'Teenage Kicks' had its first showing in Derry recently at a specially arranged 'Cast and Crew Preview' night in aid of the Northern Ireland Children's Cancer Unit Fund. It has also been screened at the Cork Film Festival and will be part of the Regus London Film Festival on 16 and 18 November. The longer version features more interviews with The Undertones and contributors including Eamonn McCann as well as extra music from The Undertones, That Petrol Emotion, Ash and The Ramones.

North-West fans of The Undertones will have their first chance to see the film version soon as it is being screened as part of the Foyle Film Festival on Sat 17 November at The Strand Multiplex.

The film is presented by veteran BBC Radio DJ, John Peel, who makes his first visit to Derry and discovers for himself the band which released his all-time favourite record, 'Teenage Kicks'. It features previously unseen footage both of Derry and The Undertones and includes an extensive interview with former frontman, Feargal Sharkey. Perfect Cousin Productions were granted exclusive access behind-the-scenes at all the recent reunion gigs both here in Ireland and England.

Vinny Cunningham, the film's Producer, has been delighted with the response to date:

'Since the film version was shown in Derry, we have been inundated with people asking when they would get a chance to see it. I am delighted now that the BBC have finalised a transmission date for the short version and that so many film festivals are arranging screenings of the longer film version.'

There are several film distributors looking at the film at present with a view to taking 'Teenage Kicks' on general release. For further information on the Foyle Film Festival screening contact The Nerve Centre in Derry.

ENDS

'TEENAGE KICKS- HARD TO BEAT!!'

Press Release: Wed 22 January 2002

'Teenage Kicks- The Undertones', the recently completed documentary film by Derry-based Perfect Cousin Productions Ltd, has certainly kept the company busy in recent days.

Last week, the film was shortlisted for the 'Best Arts Documentary Award' as part of the forthcoming 'Celtic Film and Television Festival 2002'. The Festival takes place in Brittany, France between 20- 23 March and features entries from Ireland, Brittany, Cornwall, Scotland and Wales.

There were two versions of the film produced; one for BBC transmission, which is 39 minutes long and a longer version on 35mm, made for festivals and cinema screenings, which has a 72-minute duration. Local men, Vinny Cunningham and Tom Collins, produced and directed the documentary having raised the finance from the BBC, Arts Council and the Irish Film Board.

'Teenage Kicks' has also been selected to take part in the prestigious 'International Film Festival of Rotterdam' where it receives 4 screenings starting on the 24th January. It has already been screened at the Cork Film Festival, the Regus London Film Festival, as well as the Foyle Film Festival in Derry and the Gijon International Festival.

The film is presented by veteran BBC Radio DJ, John Peel, who makes his first visit to Derry and discovers for himself the band which released his all-time favourite record, 'Teenage Kicks'. It features previously unseen footage both of Derry and The Undertones and includes an extensive interview with former frontman, Feargal Sharkey. Perfect Cousin Productions were granted exclusive access behind-the-scenes at all the recent reunion gigs both in Ireland and England. In addition to The Undertones, contributors include Terri Hooley (Good Vibrations Records), Eamonn McCann (Journalist) and Seymour Stein (Sire Records, New York). As well as a classic collection of Undertones' music, we also get to hear and see That Petrol Emotion, Ash and The Ramones. Liam Fay, writing in his Sun Times review of the film, described it as 'one of the best rockumentaries ever produced'.

Vinny Cunningham, the film's Producer, has been delighted with the response to date:

"Since the BBC screened the short version of the documentary in November, Tom Collins and I have been overwhelmed with the amount of people asking when they would get a chance to see the longer version. Fortunately, we have been getting requests from all over Europe and even further, to screen the film at festivals and cinemas. Apart from Rotterdam, there are screenings planned for various parts of England and Scotland as well as Denmark, Finland and France. Locally, the Queens Film Theatre in Belfast has booked the film for Fri 15th and Sat 16th February. This will be the first time the film has been shown in Belfast and there has already been incredible interest. Other requests for screenings in Derry and other parts of Ireland are still being discussed at present. Negotiations are also ongoing with a distributor in Dublin about the possible release of the film on DVD and video later this year. It certainly has taken off! Watch this space!"

ENDS

For further info:

Vinny Cunningham Tel: 02871 372432 enquiries@northlandbroadcast.com.

TheUndertones.net/tk_press.htm