We bid farewell to April and are very happy and ready to say hello to May! Spring is well and truly upon us and though times are pretty hard for the majority of us right now, we are hoping to highlight some little positives.

In our new monthly articles, we will bring you updates on some things we’re up to here at Rianne Pictures along with some recommendations from our team, opportunities and resources we think you’ll find quite useful!

What Are We Up To?

Here at Rianne Pictures we are working hard through this time whilst also ensuring to take care of ourselves and each other. Our short film Coming out for Christmas is still working it’s way through the film festival circuit, with many events being postponed until later in the year or moved to 2021, we’re unsure when we’ll be screening our short Christmas comedy next, but will keep you updated.

We’re also hard at work developing our web series, with the lockdown we’re using this as an opportunity to finesse our storyline and development our characters, along with planning the kind of shoot we want.

We have podcast episodes of our film and tv show Not Having it All coming out weekly as usual with a range of hosts and topics. Our most recents have included Women In Marvel, 90’s Romantic Comedies and Journalism Films . Plus we have some exciting ones heading your way this month. You can find all our episodes here as well as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

We have so far hosted two online film quizzes with Screen Queens which have been a massive success! We have had a whole host of participants from various countries. We’re looking forward to partnering up with Screen Queens at our Women X event later this year, it feels amazing to be working alongside a female led company with such a positive influence in the film community.

We’re also expanding our online writing team! You can check out this beautiful essay on Frances Ha by Alysha Prasad here and expect a few more articles popping up this month from more of our new writers!

Our Team’s Top Picks

TV Shows

Trigonometry - BBC iPlayer
Following a couple and their new lodger, this show focuses on polyamory and the relationship that develops between the trio. The three lead characters are so easy to fall in love with and their interactions are both funny and beautiful to watch. Along with a unique, wonderful story this series is diverse, inclusive and offers a brilliant representation of sexuality.

4 More Shots Please - Amazon Prime
If you’re checking out our website, we assume you are passionate about women working in film and for that, there is no better recommendation that 4 More Shots Please. Funny, progressive and fantastic portrayals of Indian women can be found in this girl power sitcom, tackling issues of career vs marriage, divorce and feminism in modern day Mumbai. Plus, four female leads, a female cinematographer and two female directors? Yes please.

Hollywood - Netflix
You may have seen the promo for Ryan Murphy’s latest show, and many of our team can’t wait to jump in and start it! It has Murphy’s trademark stamp on it and what could be better to watch than this right now? Hollywood promises nostalgic fun contrasting with our current struggles and giving us a great distraction.

Dead to Me season 2 - Netflix
Dead to Me is back for a second season and our Development Co-ordinator Ashton is loving it! It’s a brilliant black comedy available on Netflix and stars the always fantastic Linda Cardellini – a definite hit.

Manifest season 2 - Sky Box Sets

It’s cheesy, out of this world and down right ridiculous at times, but our founder Caris Rianne can not get enough. Fans of Lost and FlashForward will enjoy this.

Podcasts

The Left Right Game
This brilliant fiction podcast stars the incredible Tessa Thompson as a journalist following paranormal explorers obsessed with the Left/Right Game which seems to be harmless. The sound design is focused on making this podcast a very immersive experience which works very well with the creepy mystery aspects.

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
She’s quite the mental wellness sensation right now and a favourite of therapists everywhere! Brené Brown offers a calming voice in her podcast and offers hope to us all that we can cope with what is happening right now. Her books also have great reviews if you want to sit down and have a read of her wonderful thoughts.

Doughboys
Do you miss eating out at restaurants and cafes? If the answer is yes and you’re a big foodie then check out Doughboys, a podcast all about restaurants. You may not be able to eat the food they’re chatting about but if it helps you can have a taste of what you’re missing. Tip: listen to the pod whilst cooking an appropriate meal for each episode!

Books

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
An amazing non-fiction book exploring racism both in current society and history, delving into issues such as white feminism and links between class and race. Reni Eddo-Lodge has researched issues of racism brilliantly writes about so many important issues, it’s hard to list them all here. This book truly should be read by everyone - it offers a lot to think about and has truly taught me so much, including that I need to learn much more.

Other

Cross Stitch
Not all our recommendations will be consisting of online content! Sometimes, you just need time away from screens and to simplify things for a short while. In our founder Caris’ opinion, what better way than cross stitching? It challenges your brain as well as letting you focus and shut out negativity/outside stress – not only that, but you’ve also made something nice for yourself at the end. As long as your dog doesn’t run off with it when you’re not looking!

Candle Making
Along with cross stitch, this practical yet calming activity is something great to get stuck into right now. You can make various colours and scents so that when you’ve finished you can treat yourself to burning a nice scented candle and know that it was your hard work that made it possible. Ashton has been giving it a whirl after having the kit waiting around for her.

The Sims 4
It may be 2020 but we know more people playing The Sims now than we did in the early 2000s! Something about lockdown has really brought out a new passion for the game again - probably because we can create characters, a beautiful house and go wherever we want with no fear. It’s still 75% off on the Origin store too so definitely jump on that bargain if you can!

Keep up with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for our latest updates. Let us know what you’re loving or really looking forward to this month!

While this may be a scary and challenging time, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Stay safe and keep well

Written by Sophie Duncan

Hello May

What Are We Up To?