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Why Giant Films is betting big on a bold WWII porn-comedy thriller… and calling it a ‘made-for-cinema revolution’

Father–daughter producers Poppy and Nick O’Hagan debut their new banner with Think of England, a daring wartime satire premiering at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

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Giant Films Debuts With ‘Think of England’ at Tallinn | Poppy & Nick O’Hagan Interview
Poppy and Nick O’Hagan debut Giant Films with Think of England, a daring wartime satire premiering at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

When Poppy O’Hagan picks up the phone, she sounds both nervous and exhilarated — the kind of energy producers feel when their first major film is just days away from a world premiere. Sitting beside her is her father, veteran producer Nicholas “Nick” O’Hagan, whose credits include The Great, The Serpent Queen and The Good Liar. Together, they are the creative force behind Giant Films, a new U.K.-based production company with one clear mission:

Bring audiences back to the cinema.

And their debut feature?
A provocative war satire with a logline you have to read twice:

“In a war situation, even making porn films may be a task of national importance.”

This is Think of England — a bold, absurd, sometimes outrageous exploration of wartime propaganda, human desire and the fragile boundaries of social norms. Written and directed by Richard Hawkins, the film premieres Friday in the main competition at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF).

The film marks Hawkins’ first feature since 2004’s Everything, and its premise has already stirred early festival buzz.

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A secret mission to make… patriotic pornography?

Set during the tense days before the Allied landings in Normandy, the story follows a ragtag group of six individuals dropped onto a remote British island with an extraordinary mission:

Make adult films to boost morale among soldiers on the front lines.

Five of the six are already part of the adult film world.
One — the male lead — is absolutely not.

That friction becomes the heart of the story.

A tongue-in-cheek synopsis explains:

“This is the story of the other film — the forgotten companion to Churchill’s lavish Henry V propaganda project.”

While the real British government commissioned Laurence Olivier to shoot Henry V in bright 3-strip Technicolor, Hawkins imagines the other morale-boosting project: gritty, secretive and very far from Shakespeare.

The cast includes rising talent and familiar faces, among them:
Jack Bandeira, Natalie Quarry, John McCrea, Ronni Ancona, Ben Bela Böhm, Ollie Maddigan, and Oscar Hoppe.

Giant Films Debuts With ‘Think of England’ at Tallinn | Poppy & Nick O’Hagan Interview


“Made for Cinema” — A movement, not a slogan

For the O’Hagans, Think of England is more than a film — it is the opening statement of their creative philosophy.

Nick, who has spent decades navigating the streaming boom and the Netflix–A24 takeover of indie cinema, believes the industry is at a crossroads.

“Indie film may be done,” he says bluntly.
“Unless we restore the theatrical window and rebuild a sense of community. Cinema is communal. Cinema is shared oxygen.”

Poppy echoes the sentiment.

The pandemic, she says, didn’t just threaten arthouse cinema — it erased the sense of event-going.

“Our aim is to surprise audiences. To make films that feel made for the big screen. Films that encourage people to go out, sit together, and laugh or gasp in the same room.”

That ethos explains why their banner is named Giant Films:

“Small budget… giant ambition.”

A film about boundaries — societal, sexual, and cinematic

Think of England isn’t simply provocative for provocation’s sake.
It explores how governments manipulate desire, how societies decide what is “acceptable,” and how quickly those boundaries shift in times of crisis.

Writer–director Richard Hawkins, who co-wrote the script with Geoffrey Freeman, uses humor and taboo to examine propaganda and the ethics of morale-building during war.

Poppy O’Hagan calls it:

“A film about behaviour, agency, and how the camera — both metaphorically and literally — shapes our values.”

Nick adds:

“It’s outrageous, but it’s also deeply human. That’s what makes it cinematic.”

The O’Hagans: a family story behind the camera

Poppy’s entry into the industry began with a degree in French and Italian, followed by hands-on experience as a casting assistant on FX’s Atlanta. She produced acclaimed shorts including Ned Caderni’s This Film Is Not Yet Titled and Ben Daly’s The Fireplace, before joining the legendary Recorded Picture Company, working on films like Jan Komasa’s Good Boy.

Nick calls this partnership “serendipity.”

His daughter calls it “inevitable.”

A bold beginning — and much more on the horizon

Giant Films already has multiple projects in early development, but for now, all eyes are on Tallinn. The O’Hagans know their debut film is unusual — but that’s exactly the point.

“We didn’t want to start small,” Poppy says.
“We wanted to start loud.”

With Think of England, they may have done just that.

Entertainment

Miley Cyrus Begins a New Era With Move to Atlantic Records

The Grammy-winning singer has officially parted ways with Columbia Records, setting the stage for the next chapter of her music career.

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Miley Cyrus Begins a New Era With Move to Atlantic Records

LOS ANGELES, California: Pop superstar Miley Cyrus is entering a new era of her career. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has officially signed with Atlantic Records, ending her successful partnership with Columbia Records and setting the stage for what could be her next major musical evolution.

The label change comes after Cyrus released two widely recognized albums through Columbia—Endless Summer Vacation, which featured the global hit “Flowers,” and Something Beautiful, a project that showcased a more artistic and experimental side of the singer. Together, the albums reinforced Cyrus’ reputation as one of the most versatile performers in modern pop music.

Joining Atlantic Records signals more than just a business decision. Industry observers view the move as an opportunity for Cyrus to explore fresh creative collaborations while expanding her already impressive catalog. Atlantic has long been home to some of the biggest names in contemporary music, making it a fitting destination for an artist known for constantly reinventing herself.

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Throughout her career, Miley Cyrus has repeatedly defied expectations. From her early days as the star of Hannah Montana to becoming an international recording artist, she has embraced multiple musical styles, including pop, rock, country, and alternative influences. That willingness to evolve has helped her remain one of the industry’s most influential artists for nearly two decades.

Her previous album, Endless Summer Vacation, earned both commercial success and critical acclaim, largely driven by the worldwide success of “Flowers.” The record became one of the defining pop releases of its year and further established Cyrus as a consistent hitmaker capable of connecting with audiences across generations.

Meanwhile, Something Beautiful reflected a more introspective creative direction, demonstrating her interest in experimenting beyond mainstream pop. Critics praised the album for its artistic ambition, reinforcing the idea that Cyrus continues to prioritize musical growth over predictability.

Atlantic Records has built a reputation for supporting artists with distinctive creative identities, and many industry analysts believe the partnership could provide Cyrus with even greater artistic freedom as she develops future projects. Although neither the singer nor the label has revealed details about upcoming music, anticipation is already building among fans eager to hear what this collaboration will produce.

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News of the signing quickly spread across social media, where fans celebrated the announcement and began speculating about potential producers, collaborators, and the musical direction of her next album. Many expressed excitement about the possibilities that a new label partnership could bring after the success of her recent releases.

The move also reflects the changing landscape of the music industry, where established artists increasingly seek label partnerships that align with their evolving creative ambitions rather than simply focusing on commercial performance. For Cyrus, whose career has been defined by reinvention, the transition appears consistent with her long-standing approach to artistic growth.

Despite changing labels, Miley Cyrus remains one of pop music’s most recognizable voices, with a career spanning chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, major award wins, and a global fan base. Her ability to adapt while maintaining a distinct artistic identity has made her one of the most enduring figures in contemporary entertainment.

As Atlantic Records prepares to welcome one of the industry’s biggest stars, attention now turns to what comes next. Whether it leads to a new album, high-profile collaborations, or another bold creative transformation, Miley Cyrus’ latest career move has already become one of the biggest music industry stories of the year.

For fans, the message is clear: a new chapter has begun, and expectations are higher than ever.

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Entertainment

EU Backs Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger in Major Regulatory Milestone

Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal Approved by EU Regulators | Global Media Merger Update

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The proposed entertainment powerhouse is edging closer to reality after securing another crucial approval from European authorities.

The proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery has crossed another significant milestone after receiving approval from European Union competition regulators.

The latest clearance strengthens momentum behind one of the entertainment industry’s most closely watched deals. According to reports, regulators across more than a dozen countries have now signed off on the transaction, indicating that competition authorities see no major obstacles to the companies combining their businesses under the proposed agreement.

The European Union’s approval is particularly important given the region’s strict antitrust standards. Deals involving global media companies often undergo detailed reviews to ensure they do not reduce market competition or negatively impact consumers. With Brussels now giving its blessing, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have cleared another key regulatory checkpoint on their path toward completing the merger.

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If finalized, the combination would bring together some of the world’s most recognizable entertainment brands. Paramount Global owns iconic studios and networks including Paramount Pictures, CBS, Showtime, MTV and the streaming platform Paramount+.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery controls an equally impressive portfolio featuring Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, Max, CNN, Discovery Channel and DC Studios.

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Industry analysts believe the merger could reshape the global entertainment landscape by creating a stronger competitor in the increasingly crowded streaming market. As traditional television continues to evolve, major studios are looking for greater scale, larger content libraries, and improved operational efficiency to compete with digital streaming leaders.

While the deal has now secured approvals from numerous international regulators, additional regulatory processes may still be required before the transaction can officially close. Companies involved in mergers of this scale typically must satisfy legal and financial conditions across multiple jurisdictions before integration begins.

For investors, filmmakers, and audiences alike, the proposed union represents one of the biggest media consolidation efforts in recent years. If completed, the combined company would oversee an enormous catalog of films, television franchises, streaming platforms, and news operations with a truly global reach.

The European Union’s decision marks another positive step for Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing the entertainment giants closer to completing a deal that could redefine competition across Hollywood and the international media business.

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Travis Scott Says Joining Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Was His Biggest Acting Challenge Yet

The rapper recalls feeling intense pressure as he prepared to work with the Oscar-winning filmmaker on the highly anticipated epic.

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Travis Scott Says Joining Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Was His Biggest Acting Challenge Yet

Music superstar Travis Scott has opened up about his experience joining Christopher Nolan‘s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey, admitting that taking on the acting role left him feeling “nervous as f.”

Known for dominating the global music charts and delivering electrifying live performances, Scott revealed that stepping onto a film set led by one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors was a completely different challenge. Despite his confidence as a performer, acting in a major motion picture demanded a new level of preparation and focus.

The rapper said the opportunity to collaborate with Christopher Nolan was too significant to pass up. Widely regarded for directing blockbuster hits such as Oppenheimer, Inception, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight, Nolan has built a reputation for creating visually ambitious and emotionally compelling films.

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Scott’s involvement in The Odyssey extends beyond his on-screen appearance. He also recorded an original song titled “When I’m Home,” which will play during the film’s closing credits. The track marks another major crossover between his music career and Hollywood, giving fans a fresh piece of music tied directly to one of the year’s biggest cinematic releases.

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Based on Homer‘s legendary ancient Greek epic The Odyssey, Nolan’s adaptation has generated enormous anticipation from moviegoers worldwide. The project boasts an impressive ensemble cast and has been one of the most talked-about productions in recent months, thanks to Nolan’s signature filmmaking style and large-scale vision.

For Travis Scott, the experience represented more than simply appearing in a blockbuster. It was an opportunity to learn from one of cinema’s most respected directors while testing himself in a completely different creative environment.

Although nerves were part of the process, Scott suggested that the challenge ultimately made the experience even more rewarding. His honesty about feeling intimidated has resonated with fans, many of whom praised the artist for embracing a new artistic direction despite the pressure that comes with starring in such a high-profile production.

As excitement continues to build around The Odyssey, audiences will not only get to see Travis Scott in a new acting role but also hear his original contribution to the film’s soundtrack. The dual role highlights the artist’s growing presence in Hollywood as he continues to expand beyond music into film and storytelling.

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