Series Finale Tonight:

Cook (Jack O’Connell) and Effy (Kaya Scodelario) are in self-imposed exile from the gang, having gone to stay with Cook’s father. Effy is running away from everything she’s ever known and Cook enables her escape. Problem is, Cook is slowly falling out of lust, and in love.

Back in Bristol, JJ (Ollie Barbieri) tries to snap Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) out of his depressed stupour, down about the loss of both his best mate, and the girl he loves.

Freddie and JJ force Effy to confront who she is and what she really wants. She has to make amends for the damage she’s caused. She also has to decide whether to follow her heart. Can the four friends find a way forward together?

Written by Ben Schiffer

Directed by Simon Massey

A chat with Cook from ‘Skins’:

So, Skins is drawing to a close (boo, hiss, etc.), with just one episode left this series. We’re promised that the Cook/Effy/Freddie love triangle will finally be resolved, which means the feisty minx must choose between the lads. All this aside, Cook’s got himself a new drama: his dad. Desperate to quench our Skins thirst, we gave Jack O’Connell a ding to find out more.

We get to meet Cook’s dad in the final episode. What’s their relationship like?
“It’s the lack of the relationship that proves to be the problem. Without his dad’s presence Cook’s got to find male influence from somewhere and I think it’s this confusion – or lack of – which is where he goes wrong. He’s very enthusiastic about meeting him, which just makes it a lot harder when he does. The main story is that there’s hidden truths and the truths are too significant to hide, so problems occur.”

Is it fair to say that Cook’s been let down by his dad?
“Yeah, but never too directly for Cook to resent him. They have a weird relationship and I guess the lack of any presence has worked in Cook’s favour ‘cos his dad does turn out to be quite a failure.”

What about Effy – does Cook genuinely have feelings for her?
“Yeah man! He doesn’t allow himself to feel any kind of affection on that level for anyone other than his friends ‘cos they’re the only people that haven’t let him down. So women-wise I guess it’s new grounds to him – it’s quite intimidating and whatnot, and it’s confusing. He has no idea how to handle it so he goes about it the wrong way. I remember messing up my first relationship really badly because I didn’t have a clue, so it’s quite easy to empathise with.”

So what’s the situation with Cook and Freddie at this point?
“What I found, seeing it on a neutral level, was that Cook is unfair towards Freddie and that needs addressing if they’re going to remain friends, because obviously Cook’s really inconsiderate. I reckon lessons are going to be learnt off each other. I’m hoping that it resolves itself because I don’t see anyone in Cook’s life closer to him than Freddie. Eventually we see Freddie’s true intentions and we see a new side to Cook.”

Do you think he feels bad about all the bad stuff he’s done?
“I suppose eventually he will. I reckon he needs a lot of growing up to do before he does fully see it for what it is. At the minute he’s 17 and it’s still all fun and games. I’d say I can empathise with Cook because I had similarities to him before levelling my own head out. It’s a common one – everyone knows a Cook. It’s the story of when someone tries to be something they’re so clearly not but is so convinced by it anyway that it becomes hard for them to break away from it. But it’s cool because we do get to see Cook’s vulnerability and we can completely understand why he is the way he is.”

Is he quite a fun character to play?
“Absolutely – do you not see how many girls I get to make out with and get paid for it? It’s quality! He’s just Jack the lad. If I compare myself to seventeen, I share a lot in relation to Cook so it’s good to be able to play a character and not reap real-life consequences for it. But I had a right laugh playing him – he’s a funny character and he keeps me in stitches as well. I’m enjoying reading him.”

Is there anyone else that you’d like to play from the series?
“JJ – I reckon he’d challenge me the most. Imagine trying to act nervous bearing in mind you’re already nervous especially with it only being your first job. Being able to play nervous on camera and for it to read accurately is challenging. So I’d like to play JJ just for the challenge.”

Did you watch the previous series of Skins?
“Yeah. I used to go to the same workshop as Joe Dempsie who plays Chris so I was attracted to it for that reason. Then I got sucked straight into it – I was a big fan of it. It’s still kind of weird just being involved in it – it’s something that I respected anyway originally as a fan, and now I have the chance to influence it as dramatically as Cook does!”

Do you know what we can expect from Cook in the fourth series?
“I wouldn’t know anything too accurate yet – I don’t want to mislead. But I want him to find himself properly, and I want him to be comfortable with his character as opposed to forcing some fake character on everyone which he seems to do quite a lot. I want to see it resolved properly – there’s a triangle there and there’s people concerned around that as well including Pandora and even Thomas. I’d like a happy ending preferably but Skins likes reality, doesn’t it?”

Series three of Skins concludes Thursday at 10pm on E4.

Source

A chat with JJ from ‘Skins’:

This week on Skins, we’re treated to a glimpse into JJ’s home life. He’s not like the other kids at school, but he wants to be. And he’s going to start becoming a bit more normal – with a little help from his friends. Actor Ollie Barbieri talks us through the next episode.

What has the reaction been like since you’ve appeared on screen?
“It’s been manic – it’s incredible! People are really starting to like the show and that’s the best thing that could’ve happened. I’ve had people approach me and it’s quite weird. But my philosophy is that you have to enjoy it – if you don’t, it gets harder. But to have people appreciate something you’ve put so much work into feels amazing.”

Have the public taken well to JJ?
“He’s an interesting character, so he definitely appeals to people. Cook is a mad man and for the best part of the series that’s what he’ll stay. But with JJ, you know there’s more to him and you want to know what that is.”

How would you describe JJ?
“JJ is the underdog. He’s a loser, a geek and a goon – but above that he’s actually a very conscientious character. He doesn’t understand how people work in the same way that other people do. The relationships between other character are like equations to him.”

The other guys don’t treat him very well…
“JJ is often described as the child. He’s Cook’s sidekick and he’s Freddie’s little pet. But they will start treating him a bit better – they have to! Towards the end of the series we see him become his own person.”

His episode, airing this week, is quite different from the others, isn’t it?
“It’s very different – there’s none of that hedonism! This episode is about not knowing what to do and who to turn to. It’s very deep and it looks into psychological issues to do with becoming who one is, which is what I liked about it.”

What do we learn about JJ in the episode?
“He’s got a lot of love for his mum. JJ’s not a normal kid, so she’s always done things for him – she’s spent the best part of the past 17 years sorting out issues around him. His parents have a lot to do with why he is the way he is. They’re very influential figures. The only other people he really talks to are Freddie and Cook, and they’re not the best role models!”

What else can you tell us?
“I had to do a bit of research for some of it. I’ve played JJ as quite a weird character, and he’s obviously got issues. When I first went for the part, I played him quite mad and I jumped around a lot. But he didn’t actually turn out like that – he got watered down a bit. It’s important that he comes across as believable, and I hope this episode makes things a bit clearer.”

JJ forms a close friendship with Emily, doesn’t he?
“Yes he does and it’s quite sweet. They strike up a frienship because they’re both outsiders. They’re not particularly popular at school and only really know the other people within the group. JJ and Emily understand each other – they’re just two people who get on.”

There’s quite a lot of nakedness in the series. Does it bother you to film those scenes?
“Not really, no. There are obviously limits on what the producers can do legally. I knew they couldn’t do certain stuff until I was 18. Skins is a job, and it’s a laugh. I remember when I had the contract in front of me and I thought ‘if I sign this, they’re gonna make me get naked in front of a large proportion of the British public’. But if I’m not gonna do it, someone else is.”

Did you know what to expect after the first two series?
“Well, I didn’t actually watch Skins before I was in it! i knew the premise and I knew it was about teenagers getting lairy, doing lots of drugs, and having loads of sex. It’s deliciously ironic that I’m the one member of my group of friends who didn’t watch the show, and I’ve ended up acting in it.”

Have you heard anything about a fourth series?
“Not yet, but I hope we do one. I enjoyed filming the third series so much. It would be amazing to do another one and it would give us a chance to explore the characters so much more. I’m excited to see what else they could do with JJ.”

Skins continues Thursday at 10pm on E4.

Source

Scott Mills and his Skins castmates!

Scott’s starring (!) role in Skins is on this Thursday, and his fellow cast members Karen, Effy, and Freddie (Klariza, Kaya and Luke) popped in to have a chat. Listen here (FFW to about 42 mins in).

 Source

Music Guide for Episode 2

Quick List

Motorhead – Ace of Spades
U2 – I Will Follow
Pink Floyd – Great Gig in the Sky
Queen – Don’t Stop Me Know
101ec6 – Counter Stroke
Pink Floyd – One of These Days
Skallywags – It’s Dead
Robbie Williams – Millennium
Eve – Tambourine
Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
Fleetwood Mac -Songbird
Billy Idol – White Wedding
Marillion – Kayleigh
Fat Segal – Lake Control
Son Lux – Break

By no means your average Skins episode and that includes the music. If you were watching the episode with your parents they’ve probably told you the name of most of these tracks by now. If not, read on.

Motorhead -Ace of Spades – Warner Music
It’s Cook’s birthday and he’s proclaiming himself to be ‘The Ace of Spades’ – there’s all sorts of appropriate imagery to derive from that if you wanna think about it a bit – I can’t be bothered to tell you but you should be able to work it out yourself.

U2 – I Will Follow – Mercury
As we step into Keith’s pub we are given a snapshot of what middle-aged men who read Uncut and Mojo call ‘proper tunes’. This is by a band called U2 you may have heard of them.

Pink Floyd – Great Gig in the Sky – EMI
Prog gave us some ridiculous records (I use ridiculous as both a positive and negative term) and also the genius that is Soft Machine and Robert Wyatt. Although Keith’s cool he wouldn’t listen to Soft Machine so we had to make do with Pink Floyd instead.

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now – EMI I’ll claim this an homage to Shaun of the Dead – we didn’t steal their idea honest. 10lec6 – Counter Stroke – Fiat Lux
10lec6 are an awesome Parisian band, who I heard years and years ago on Resonance FM. Unfortunately they haven’t really gone on to do much but they’ve got a new album out soon and should begin to get some exposure.

Pink Floyd – One of these Days – EMI
More Pink Floyd is playing outside the pub – I have nothing left to say about them.

Skallywags – It’s Dead
Everyone knows and loves Skins office legend Chris Lynd right? Well these guys are his mates and he almost became their guitarist. Here’s what he has to say about them: ‘The Skallywags were one of my favourite ever bands. Raucous, (that’s a good thing Alex) aggressive and grubby, and their shows were something else… They’ve evolved quite a bit over the last couple of years into a much darker band – A Third Warning. You should definitely go see them, as long as you don’t mind getting blood on you.

THE PARTY

Inbetween the famous tracks I’ve inserted loads of library music – this is because the series producer Chris Clough would punch me in the face repeatedly if I dared to step over-budget, as Chris used to play rugby I always aim to be on budget. Some people also think library music is cool – they’re clearly not talking about what we’ve put in here but it’s certainly interesting nonetheless.

Robbie Williams – Millennium – Chrysalis
Robbie is from the lovely north Midlands city of Stoke-on-Trent, a true world city. Stoke is home to some of the best things in the world: Rory Delap’s throw in, Lemmy from Motorhead, Oatcakes, Neil Morrissey, Anthea Turner, me…

Eve – Tambourine – Polydor
When Eve’s ‘Tambourine’ comes on everyone gets excited and begins to dance including Effy who does the best impression of Toby’s dancing I’ve ever seen.

Survivor – Eye of the Tiger – Sony BMG
Taken from the awesome Rocky films – this introduces Johnny White onstage.

Fleetwood Mac – Songbird – Warner Music UK
The Butcher pulls out one of his favourite non Sigur Ros tracks for Johnny to serenade Kayleigh to. More library music continues until we hear the next track.

Billy Idol – White Wedding – Chrysalis Records Ltd
Company Pictures legend Clare Sefi loves Billy Idol almost as much as she loves Arsenal FC. One of her favourite songs ever is played as Cook is on a mission.

Cook sings Barry Manilow’s I Write the Songs – Sony BMG
There’s an episode of Friends where at Barry and Mindy’s wedding Rachel sings ‘Coca Cobana’ – that is pretty good – but I think this will go down as TV’s greatest karaoke performance of a Barry Manilow song ever.

Marillion – Kayleigh – EMI
Over XMAS I was watching Magic’s Top 50 Power Ballads Ever with my mum and brother and this came in at number three – whilst I would argue that this isn’t actually a power ballad – there is no arguing that this is a great musical moment. Apparently Skins Chief Exec Bossman Bryan Elsley came up with the idea at 3am whilst working with The Butcher.

Fat Segal – Lake Control Fat Segal is back and he’s been asked to do some more ambient composition – it’s to tell you Skins is getting dark and serious you know.

Timbaland – Scream – Polydor
This is the best thing that Timbaland’s released in a long, long time (besides his sampling of Crystal Castles for that 50 Cent single) coupled with Nicole from Pussycat Dolls and gyrating naked women we’re onto a winner.

More library music then plays in the rest of the brothel.

Son Lux – Break – Anticon
Anticon isn’t just a label for geeky indie hip-hop – recently they’ve branched out and Son Lux is their best new artist. This is the standout single from the album At War With Walls and Mazes and my second favourite track Ever released on Anticon – the first is Alias and Tarsier’s ‘Dr C.’

Fat Segal – Lake Control
We go all serious on you again as things get tense between Freddie and Cook.

Motorhead – Ace of Spades – Warner
Cook doesn’t seem to give a shit and he ends his awesome day by singing the same song he began the day with.

SOURCE

Episode 4 Stills

Episode 4 will air on 12 February and is cenetred on Pandora, it will also be guest starring Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones Diary and Smack The Pony) as Pandora’s Mum.

Kat and Merv On 1xtra

Kat (Emily) and Merv (Thomas) was on 1xtra last Thursday.

Interactive Trailer

Get to know the new Skins cast a little better…

This is actually pretty cool!

New HQ Skins 3 Pictures

BBC America released theses HQ Pictures for the new series.

(click on pictures to see larger versions)

Picture Source: BBC America and Company Pictures

Episode 1 Summary

Last Broadcast published a spoilery summary of episode 1 of the new series, I’m not sure if this a official release at all, but I’ve put it in our episode guide for series 3 instead of putting it on the main site just incase no one wants to be spoiled you can read it here

Skins Series 3 Promo Pictures HQ

Full Cast

(Left to right: Thomas, JJ, Naomi, Freddie, Effy, Cook, Pandora, Emily, Katie, Karen)

(Pandora, Naomi, Freddie and Cook)

(JJ, Thomas, Katie and Karen)

No Pictures of Effy or Emily as yet.

Just to keep you all on your toes

For every episode of the new series we’re going to have a special guest post from a main character in that episode!

Update:

Oh, and we’ll have a live chat room running during each episode so everyone can comment along as we watch the episodes.

Series 3 Information

Some info about series 3

Calling all writers, directors, costume designers and production designers….Skins Needs You!

Skins 3 is coming soon, and the Skins creators are looking for some bright young things to help them with a very special project.
They’ll be creating an online mini episode of Skins that will feature some of the series 3 cast. There are four very important behind the scenes roles that still need to be filled.

They’re looking for a writer, director, costume designer, and production designer to join the team. No experience is necessary as the Skins creators will be mentoring the winners and providing support. Not only that; they get to join the set of series 3 for paid work experience!

The mini episode will be screened online in 2009.

Entrants need to be between 18 and 23 years old and the closing date for all four competitions is Tuesday December 9th at 6pm.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Find out below the relevant details for each role and where to enter.

www.e4.com/skins

Directors

Skins are giving one budding director the opportunity to get their work noticed by directing the Skins mini episode. If you feel you have the talent but little experience, fear not; Skins is all about spotting raw talent, and will be mentoring and providing support every step of the way.

If you’re the successful applicant; as well as working on the mini episode, you will also join the set of Skins in Bristol for a week whilst they film series 3. Whilst on set, you will join the director and pick up vital experience ahead of taking on directing duties yourself.

Budding directors need to send in a short film they have made on e4.com. For the full details and to enter visit:
http://www.e4.com/skins/doitandwin/143d33255f5d2385f3aab863438753d6/entry-terms.e4

Writers

Are you an aspiring writer looking for your first break? Would you like to be able call yourself a Skins writer? Here’s your chance.
One talented person will get the opportunity to lead writing the Skins mini episode!

Don’t worry if you’re a little overwhelmed, the winner will be supported every step of the way. If you’ve got what it takes, we’ll make sure you’re given all of the support you need, like we do with all of our writers.

Aspiring Skins writers will need to showcase their writing skills by submitting a short comedy drama. To find out the full details and exactly what you need to do to enter head over to http://www.e4.com/skins/writer-mini-episode.html

Costume Designers

Calling all fashion fiends! Fancy styling the cast for the online mini-episode?

Skins are looking for a costume designer to lead the costume design for the mini episode and style and/or design costumes for the Skins cast.
If you’re chosen for this amazing opportunity, you will be involved in the process from day one. You will attend the set of Skins series 3 for a week where you will get to meet the Skins costume designer and pick up valuable experience.

You will then meet up with the Skins team during the planning and designing period. Don’t worry if this is all new to you – Skins prides itself on spotting and nurturing new talent, and will be there to support you every step of the way. Filming will take place over four days and you will attend the full shoot to witness filming and make any final tweaks to the costumes.

Entrants need to pick a character from two choices provided on e4.com and design their costume. For full details and to enter visit http://www.e4.com/skins/doitandwin/e735532e2b14af24a2c9ea673b87ba53/entry-terms.e4

Production Designers

Skins are looking for a Production Designer to work on this special project and take the lead in designing the whole set used for the mini episode.

If you’re the successful applicant, not only will you design the set for the Skins mini episode and spend time on the shoot watching it being filmed; you will also join the Skins Production Designer on set in Bristol for filming of Skins series 3 for a week of work experience.

The time spent on set of series 3 will provide you with valuable experience and guidance to take on this project. As well as that, the Skins team will be there every step of the way to provide the support needed. So don’t worry if you’ve never taken on anything like this before – they will be there to help!

To enter Skins is challenging aspiring set designers to come up with an original design for a Skins house party. For full details and to enter visit http://www.e4.com/skins/doitandwin/1cf03459e6618098be77915918110113/entry-terms.e4

Skins Series Three characters revealed

(Alex: This is nothing really new however we will have some exclusive (like properly exclusive exclusive) stuff coming very soon!)

E4 has announced the new characters that will be introduced in the upcoming third season of its popular teen drama Skins, says Last Broadcast.
Tony Stonem’s younger sister Effy (Kaya Scodelario) and her best friend Pandora (Lisa Backwell) will be the only existing cast members to appear in the third series next year.

The new additions to the girls’ lineup are Katie and Emily, twins with contrasting personalities, and the idealistic Naomi.
The boys are comprised of the charismatic Cook (Jack O’Connell), skateboarding stoner Freddie, magician J.J., and Thomas, who struggles to settle in the UK after arriving from Congo.

Harry Enfield, Morwenna Banks and Geoffrey Hughes will return for guest appearances, along with new guest stars Scott Mills, Mackenzie Crook, Sally Phillips and James Fleet.

Skins returns to E4 for a ten-episode run in January.

Source: Digital Spy