Hello December
Our last Hello… of 2021 which feels kind of unreal. We’ve had a little shake up of how we give you our recommendations - we now have our Top Ten from the team (in no particular order) as well as our Nostalgia Nook for all of our suggestions we are enjoying that take us back to way back when. Keep reading to find out what we are loving and looking forward to this month and to read our founder Caris’ last update before she’s off on maternity leave for a little!
A note from our founder
So Rianne Pictures turned 8 in November and when I asked the team what we could share for our birthday, it was Pearl who suggested that I share 8 things that I have learnt in these past years while running the organisation. We often refer to Pearl’s ideas as ‘Pearls of wisdom’ so here are my 8 mini-Pearls of wisdom for you since starting this little organisation from my bedroom back in 2013.
Remote working was always the future
The worst they can do is say no
Don’t judge people by their work experience, education and training
You’ll be surprised by how much equipment you can fit in a Peugeot 207
Taking a break is okay (and productive!)
Don’t be afraid to change the way you’re working (and also go back if it doesn’t work)
Take time to celebrate the accomplishments
Change in this industry takes time, but it’s worth it
I'll more than likely dive deeper into the importance of these lessons in the new year, but at this moment in time I’m currently bouncing on an exercise ball looking at my calendar and wondering when my baby will be arriving and teaching me even more lessons, so for now over to Sophie…
Love, Caris x
The Way We Are with Munroe Bergdorf - Spotify
Top Ten
1. The Way We Are with Munroe Bergdorf - Spotify
Munroe Bergdorf is truly a gem and it really shines through in her podcast The Way We Are. She invites various celebrity guests on each week to have open conversations about their personal growth, mental health, creativity, activism and more. Rachel is a big fan and Munroe is quickly becoming one of her favourite interviewers! Guests featured so far include Jade Thirlwall, Olly Alexander and Hayley Kiyoko.
2. 30 - Adele
I’m sure you’ve heard but the national treasure that is Adele has released her latest album, 30, and Caris is greatly enjoying the array of beautiful, heartbreaking songs featured. I also recommend checking out An Audience with Adele on ITV Hub for some breathtaking performances and fantastic questions from the star-studded audience (Emma Thompson’s dancing stole the show!).
Impeachment: American Crime Story - BBC iPlayer
3. Impeachment: American Crime Story - BBC iPlayer
Beanie Feldstein is brilliantly charming in the latest instalment of American Crime Story which focuses on what is referred to as the “Clinton–Lewinsky scandal” back in the late 90s. Caris finds it really interesting to hear what happened, especially as she was a child at the time it was going on and didn’t realise how young Monica was. The rest of the cast includes the fantastic Sarah Paulson (of course!), Edie Falco and Annaleigh Ashford.
4. Empty Houses by Brenda Navarro
Empty Houses by Brenda Navarro is a Mexican novel described as a literary sensation by many. Lilia found it to be a really interesting take on motherhood and expectations of women have to face in contemporary Mexico - definitely worth a read!
Boxing Day - In Cinemas
5. Whistle Through The Shamrocks - Hat Trick Productions
Fancy a podcast that features an abundance of talented actors? Look no further than Whistle Through the Shamrocks written + starring Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls) and Camilla Whitehill. Other cast members include Stephanie Beatriz, Ed Gamble and Susie Wokoma plus many more. Ashton highly recommends this utterly bizarre pod and in particular loves Jonathan Van Ness’ role as a banshee!
6. Boxing Day - In Cinemas
Aml Ameen’s directorial debut Boxing Day will be screening in cinemas from 3rd December and it looks like it’s going to be a festive joy of a film! Ameen stars along with Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder) and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix. Both Ashton and I are really looking forward to this Christmas rom-com, and I’m definitely going to try to catch this in the cinema.
7. The Lost Symbol - NOW TV
Diehard Dan Brown fan Courtney recommends TV adaptation The Lost Symbol as it’s finally airing in the UK. She loves Ashley Zukerman’s take on the character of Robert Langdon. Give it a go for some silly, fun entertainment!
8. Red (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift
Extend those sad girl autumn vibes and go put Red (Taylor’s Version) on whilst you go on a chilly walk in the cold and truly become the main character you were meant to be. Seriously though, a lot of the RP team are fans of Taylor Swift and her re-recorded albums are beautifully intimate and personal. A stand out of course is the unabridged 10 minute version of All Too Well.
I Am Belmaya - Netflix
9. I Am Belmaya - Netflix
Coming to Netflix on 1st December is documentary I Am Belmaya, about a young woman in Nepal who begins using filmmaking to reclaim her voice after facing domestic abuse and societal oppression. Lilia is really looking forward to catching this as it looks fantastic and has received many great reviews.
10. The Circle Planner
Let me nerd out about organisation for a moment. I’m a big fan of The Circle Planner which I started using this year and loved it for all my personal and work planning needs. It has great weekly and monthly spreads as well as goals you can set for the year (I’m a New Year’s Resolutions hater but I actually love the goals features here as I think they are actually helpful!). There was a presale discount which I was able to use when ordering my 2022 diary - unsure if it’s still active but worth a check!
Nostalgia Nook
Speak Now - Taylor Swift
Yes, two TSwift recs this month but in Caris’ own words “the angst of the Teenage Girl is something we should deep dive forever” and I heartily agree. Speak Now is her third album and features a selection of arguably underrated songs including Back to December and Dear John. It’s also rumoured to be Taylor’s next re-recording and Enchanted has taken TikTok by storm recently, so expect another top 10 appearance from her soon.
The Santa Clause - Disney+
The Santa Clause - Disney+
Yes it’s Christmas this month but more importantly it means it’s finally the season to watch all your favourite Christmas movies! Mine? The Santa Clause - one of the best festive films with the most ridiculous premise. It’s a super nostalgic watch, reminding me of being a kid on Christmas Eve and watching this and plenty more films with my family. I’m looking forward to my yearly tradition of popping this on the telly and silently reciting it word for word.
Waterloo Road - BBC iPlayer
First in our nostalgia corner this month is the British teen classic Waterloo Road which you can catch on BBC iPlayer. Pearl’s been rewatching it all since the announcement that it’s coming back. The new series will return to Greater Manchester after they inexplicably moved the school and it’s students to Scotland…
