Northern Soul: Turning My Heartbeat Up

Sundae HQ has been a flurry of spins, twirls, karate kicks and fancy footwork, as we work hard to keep up with the whirlwind that is Northern Soul!

Initially expected to be shown in just a handful of cinemas, the film is now being screened at 160 locations across the UK – making it the largest ever short-window feature film release to date. I know, we’re still pinching ourselves too.

The nation is clearly embracing Northern Soul with open arms, as proven by the endless praise storming its way through social media from longstanding fans of the scene and film lovers alike. Most notably, everyone has flagged director Elaine Constantine for her authenticity and ability to respectfully depict such an iconic slice of music culture, as well as the film’s strong, punchy soundtrack.

The response from the press has also been brilliant so far, with 4-star reviews from The Times and Mark Kermode over at The Observer. Key film and culture publications including Empire and Time Out have had great things to say, with music press also speaking highly of Constantine’s work. Clash magazine, for example, noted “Elaine Constantine’s labour of love manages to both capture the spirit of the times and present it in a way that is both fresh and vital.”

We’ve also had the pleasure of meeting some incredible journalists with a love for the Northern Soul scene, who have championed the project in the lead up to its release and whose support is becoming integral to the campaign – I’ve particularly enjoyed reading Paul Mason’s musings for the Channel 4 blog.

Producing the film’s gala screening and after party in London was another highlight, which involved me getting on a train with a case full of Northern Soul branded miniature talcum powder bottles. No easy feat, but it was the smaller details like this that added lovely touches to the event.

The premiere saw stars from the film, including Steve Coogan, John Thomson, Lisa Stansfield and the two leads, Elliot James Langridge and Joshua Whitehouse, take to the red carpet along with director Elaine Constantine, who understandably described the evening as the best of her life.

At the after party, held at Madame Jojo’s in Soho, we had 20 of the amazing young dancers from the film in full costume showing us a thing or two on the dance floor. They travelled from all over the UK to be with us and really gave the party an amazing energy befitting of both the film itself and the legacy of the Northern Soul; it’s great to see that the faith is being kept alive by Britain’s younger ‘soulies’.

We have loved working on the film campaign since day one, and as it has grown in scale and momentum, it has truly is proved itself as one of those unforgettable projects – but if we ever do, it will only take the first five seconds of Shirley Ellis’ Soul Time to remind us.

Jess x

Spike Island: It ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.

Taking me back to my youth, the film served as a reminder as to what it was like to be young, innocent and carefree. Reminiscing about being 16 again, when friends were the most important things in the world, and music occupied every spare hour in the day, Spike Island captures the imagination of its audience.

Starring Elliott Tittensor, Nico Mirallegro and Emilia Clarke, the release of the film to DVD and Blu-ray attracted coverage from The London Evening Standard, The Times, Metro, The Scottish Sunday Mail and many more!

Spike Island has a fierce social fan base, with 34,000 strong Facebook and Twitter following and their enthusiasm that meant our social campaign had a reach of 10 million in launch week alone. We drew more attention, with the intention of reaching a wider target demographic, with a four week Xfm campaign across AV and promotional airtime.

The film has attracted both younger fans, who may not have been around at the time of the legendary Spike Island gig but are all about their music, plus those who were there, reminiscing about their love for the 90’s and the Stone Roses.

To celebrate the launch we created an experiential event for 400 VIP guests at the iconic Band on the Wall, hosted by Xfm’s Jo Good and a DJ set from Dots and Loops. Joined by the film’s biggest fans, featuring music from hot Manchester bands, The Quangos, The Marivaux and The Minx, the night was non-stop music galore.

An hilarious Q&A hosted by Xfm’s Tim & Jim, with the film’s writer, Chris Coghill (Uncle Hairy) and cast member Adam Long (Little Gaz) saw behind the scenes secrets revealed. They had the crowd in stitches sharing their favourite moments from filming and a personal favourite of mine, Coghill reliving the moment his dream man, Eric Cantona, admitted he was a fan of the film!

The guys from Manchester’s Finest, The Skinny, Manchester Evening News and Viva Magazine came down to the gig and we also got I love MCR and Mancunian Matters excited about Spike Island!

With event sponsors Bulldog Gin and Jameson Irish Whisky pouring the drinks and an array of Spike Island goodies, (I’m talking t-shirts, hats, badges – the lot), I think its fair to say Spike Island lovers went home with a ten mile smile, and so did we! Success!

Hannah x