Projects

Got It Covered

In 2019 a whole host of critically-acclaimed actors volunteered their time to play a special part in this incredibly exciting project for BBC Children in Need. Actors: Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech, Sweeney Todd),Jim Broadbent (Iris, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Olivia Colman CBE (The Favourite, Fleabag), Shaun Dooley (Gentleman Jack, Gunpowder), Luke Evans (Beauty And The Beast, Fast & Furious 7 & 8), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack, Doctor Foster), Adrian Lester OBE (Trauma, Hustle), Himesh Patel (Yesterday, EastEnders), David Tennant (Good Omens, Doctor Who) and Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Trust Me), each recorded their own version of a favourite song for the album Got It Covered as well as appearing in the BBC 1; 90 minute prime time tv show.


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A whole host of critically-acclaimed actors have volunteered their time to play a special part in this incredibly exciting project for BBC Children in Need this year. Among them are Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech, Sweeney Todd), Jim Broadbent (Iris, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Olivia Colman CBE (The Favourite, Fleabag), Shaun Dooley (Gentleman Jack, Gunpowder), Luke Evans (Beauty And The Beast, Fast & Furious 7 & 8), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack, Doctor Foster), Adrian Lester OBE (Trauma, Hustle), Himesh Patel (Yesterday, EastEnders), David Tennant (Good Omens, Doctor Who) and Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Trust Me).

A special 60-minute programme will follow the entire recording process and explore all the behind-the-scenes action as the actors face the challenging task of laying down their bespoke tracks at the legendary recording studios Rak and Abbey Road Studios in London. Each of the actors will handpick a song that is most significant to them and receive expert guidance from Brit and Mercury award-winning record producers and songwriters, Guy Chambers and Jonathan Quarmby.

Renowned vocal coach, Mark De-Lisser will also be at hand to assist the actors with producing their tracks. The programme will also shine a light on the projects funded by BBC Children in Need, with a selection of the actors visiting projects to see first-hand the difference their support will make to young lives.

Mel Balac, Executive Producer and Creative Director at BBC Studios, says: “Many of the actors have said trying to nail the role of recording artist has been their most challenging role yet. The personally curated playlist that is being created in aid of Pudsey will be big on musical surprises and laughs, while highlighting the fantastic charities and causes BBC Children in Need supports. Bring on the drama!”

Kate Phillips, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, says: “I’m delighted and so impressed by the outstanding array of actors who have agreed to step out of their comfort zones and help raise money for BBC Children in Need. Every year we are truly inspired by the extraordinary support we receive from thousands of people and we know this year will be no exception.”

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, says: “We are thrilled that this amazing line-up of acting talent are giving up their time to come together and create something quite unique for this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal. Their musical efforts will help make a difference to the thousands of disadvantaged children and young people we support across the UK and leave a lasting impact beyond this TV special. A huge thanks to everyone involved.”

Polly Dooley, Executive Producer at 20four7films, adds: “Shaun Dooley and I are immensely proud to be working with BBC Studios and Silva Screen Records, bringing Britain’s best-loved actors and record producers together to create a unique and exciting album and programme. The unbelievably generous outpouring of goodwill from all involved will no doubt raise lots of much needed funds for BBC Children in Need.”

Children in Need: Got It Covered is a co-production by BBC Studios and 20four7films. The executive producers are Mel Balac and Polly Dooley and the director is Peter Coventry. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Rachel Ashdown.

Download full press release.

Cityread

Polly is the event producer for Cityread producing the live events for this year’s programme.
Cityread London is an annual celebration of literature that brings reading to life for the whole capital in a massive book group. Each spring, Cityread invites London’s citizens, workers and visitors to pick up a book – the same book – and read it together. Taking the chosen novel as a starting point, a month-long programme of book groups, author talks, workshops and other events takes place across London’s libraries, bookshops, museums and other venues.

“14 days”

“14 Days” is a dark psychological thriller set during World War Two based on real events. This will mark Shaun’s debut as a director on his first penned feature film. “14 days” is currently in pre-production.

The Wild Things

In 2016 & 2017, 20Four7 Films made two music videos “Tell Me Why” and “F.I.A” for the band The Wild Things. They were both produced by Polly Dooley and “Tell Me Why” was directed by Shaun Dooley.

Filming for both these exciting projects took place in studios and locations across London.