RS Productions is a diversified media company encompassing film, television and new media production. It was established in 1993 by two award-winning television professionals, Derek Smith and Mark Lavender. The company is keen to collaborate with established and new talent.
Latest News
Exile in Paradise on SkyArts in HD
Derek Smith and Mark Lavender, the principals of RS Productions, worked as Director and Producer on the major 3 part series about the travels of the writer and humorist Edward Lear in the turbulent Southern Balkans. Filmed in High Definition Exile in Paradise is currently being marketed world wide by Electric Sky.
Exile in Paradise wins Arts Silver World Medal in New York.
The series took away a main prize in the prestigious New York Festivals TV Programming Awards 2009.
Heartsounds Uganda
Filmed and directed by Derek Smith for City University, Heartsounds is a unique experiment which took UK mental health service-users and workers to Uganda to meet their counterparts in the cause of service-user empowerment. The group had special access to the only hospital dedicated to the treatment of mental health in a nation of 30 million but they also found a wealth of vibrant activity led by NGO's and volunteers out in the field. Witchdoctors and faith healers fill in the void of resources and Derek came back with some powerful footage of rarely filmed faith healing ceremonies.
MEDIA Plus Success
RS Productions has won the support of the EU's MEDIA Plus fund for the development of a new project - Midday Sun by Steve Lewis and Tony Owen (See below). This script was recently optioned by RS Productions. "This is affirmation of our confidence in this project" says producer Mark Lavender.
Northern Film & Media
Northern Film & Media has continued to support RS Productions. NFM was critical to the distribution of Frozen and also to Midday Sun.
Business Link
Business Link Tyne and Wear is a supporter of RS Productions particularly with advice and marketing and publicity materials.
We Called It Persia
We Called It Persia by Ramin Niami (PARIS and SOMEWHERE IN THE CITY) continues to build support from talent in front of and behind the camera as it moves forward relentlessly.
Midday Sun
RS Productions Midday Sun is an RS Production in development. It has been described as a cracking great story... A couple's dream of the good life in Spain turns to a nightmare when their son is killed. Dan is revenged of the murder of his son by a mysterious stranger, Liam. Liam has done a deal with Dan who is drawn into a web of deceit, murder and revenge.
Hitler's Grand Prix Hero
RS Productions and Vita Nova Films are developing a feature film about a little known historical story...
Frozen
Frozen was released in January 2006 theatrically nationwide on 20 prints. The release was supported by Living Films LLP and Northern Film & Media as well as the UK Film Council. It is currently available on DVD from Amazon.
Derek Smith - Photo Exhibition
The Lost Communities of Industrial Teesside, Photography by Derek Smith is an exhibition of Dereks work recently on show at Chats Palace in London during PHOTOMONTH and is now on tour.
Development Executive - Factual
RS Productions is searching for a part-time development executive specializing in factual and documentary programming. Contact mark@rsproductions.co.uk