We spend a lot of time here at the Embassy talking about the interconnectedness of the UK and US. Our defence relationship, both historic and present; our mutually essential trade links; and the cultural roots that underpin this special relationship – this is the bread and butter of what the Comms team here does. And while we can trot out trade figures and battlefield stats to illustrate the strength of the UK-US relationship, it’s the cultural examples that often add a splash of colour.
Last week’s Grammy nominations for both Adele and Mumford & Sons showed how British music continues to permeate successfully into US pop culture. The Beckhams and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are among the most well-known and recognized figures in the US, while franchises like Harry Potter exemplify the strength of US-UK collaboration in creative industries.
The latest such successful collaboration, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” gives a 21st century angle to a 19th century classic and hits American cinemas in just over a week. The UK-US connections abound. American production companies created the film, which was directed by British director, Guy Ritchie, shot in the UK, starring British and American actors. Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, the man who started it all, is said to have drawn much of his inspiration from arguably the greatest American illusionist, Harry Houdini.
If you’re as keen as I am to see “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” you may not have to wait as long as you think. Thanks to Warner Bros. Inc we have several pairs of tickets to a sneak preview of the film on 13 December.
Every day this week you will be able to enter for a chance to win by visiting our Facebook page. We will be posting at least one question per day to our page relating to Sherlock Holmes or the UK’s creative industries. All you need to do is answer in the comment section and you will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week. You can enter again with every new question that is posted, so come back more than once to increase your odds.
Be sure to enter and get a chance to see an example of Special Relationship creativity at its finest!