An Accidental Studio

“An Accidental Studio” tells the remarkable story of HandMade Films. Featuring never-before-seen interviews with key players, this feature-length documentary captures an extraordinary moment in film history through the eyes of the filmmakers and actors as well as the man who started it all, former Beatle and music legend George Harrison.

Coming to the rescue of Life of Brian when money fell through at the last minute, George Harrison offered to fund the entire movie, mortgaging his house and his office to do so. As a huge fan of Monty Python, he credited their humour with saving his sanity whilst he was a Beatle. Now it was his turn to pay them back. The film was a massive hit, so successful in fact that they decided to set up a company and HandMade Films was born.

In a rare moment in film history, HandMade dominated the British movie scene with its ethos of making and releasing maverick films that others had rejected, from Life of Brian, The Long Good Friday, Time Bandits and Alan Bennett’s triple BAFTA winner, A Private Function to Withnail and I and the Oscar®-nominated Mona Lisa. Harrison’s generosity in helping others fulfil their dreams and his hands-off approach allowed filmmakers to shine in their work. As its films won awards and launched careers, HandMade became more than a happy accident. It became a celebration of integrity and collaboration.

With unreleased archive interviews and footage with Harrison, new and exclusive interviews with BAFTA winner Michael Palin, Golden Globe® and Oscar® nominee Terry Gilliam, Oscar® nominee Richard E. Grant and Oscar® winner Neil Jordan, and unseen interviews with Golden Globe® and BAFTA winner Bob Hoskins, “An Accidental Studio” explores HandMade’s baptism of fire and the risks it took in producing uniquely crafted, intelligent films. Additional interviewees in the film include Bruce Robinson, Ray Cooper, Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais, Cathy Tyson, Brenda Vaccaro, A Martinez, Richard Loncraine and Jonathan Lynn.

TX is 23rd December on ITVX.

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About ITVX

Launched in late 2022, ITVX is UK’s freshest streaming service, letting viewers stream new programme exclusives, with adverts, for free; ranging from premium dramas, documentaries, US series, comedy and reality shows to blockbuster films and much, much more. ITVX is the first streaming service in the UK to offer viewers the flexibility to access free content with ads and ad-free paid subscription, all in one place. Paying subscribers also have access to BritBox UK. ITVX live streams must-watch events, from live sport to Love Island, as they are broadcast on ITV’s channels. ITVX also offers an ever-changing host of exclusive themed channels in line with viewer preferences and popularity; these constantly evolving pop-up channels provide a scheduled experience through a streaming service.