Just as Cannes kicks off, Lionsgate UK is showing its increased support for British films and filmmakers picking up the theatrical distribution rights to six new titles – the drama LOCKE, the comedy BORN TO BE KING, THE KEEPING ROOM, HORNS, the family comedy WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY and the love story LOVE, ROSIE. Zygi Kamasa, CEO of Lionsgate UK, says:
“We are delighted to be adding these titles to our already strong and diverse slate. It is fantastic to be welcoming back filmmakers and forging new relationships as part of our ongoing support and investment in British films and British talent.”
Produced by Paul Webster and Guy Heeley, LOCKE is written and directed by Academy Award nominated Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Hummingbird). Starring Tom Hardy, Tom Holland, Ruth Wilson, Alice Lowe and Olivia Colman, the film is about one man’s life unravelling in a tension-fuelled ninety minute race against time.
Starring Kate Hudson and Ewan McGregor, BORN TO BE KING is written and directed by Peter Capaldi. The film is about a film extra who is discovered to share a striking resemblance to a movie star.
THE KEEPING ROOM is set in the waning days of the Civil War, a soldier who has broken off from the Union Army encounters a group of women who have been left to fend for themselves. Directed by Daniel Barber (Harry Brown) and written by Julia Hart, the film stars Sam Worthington, Hailee Steinfeld and Brit Marling.
Based on the novel by Joe Hill, HORNS has been written for the screen by Keith Bunin and directed by Alexandre Aja (Piranha 3D). Daniel Radcliffe stars as a young man who awakens to strange horns sprouting from his temples in the aftermath of his girlfriend’s mysterious death.
WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY starts shooting on June 17th 2013 and is a British family comedy written and directed by the creators of the BBC hit comedy ‘Outnumbered’, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton. It stars some of Britain’s best-loved acting talent including Billy Connolly, Rosamund Pike, David Tennant and Ben Miller. The film is produced by award-winning Producer David M Thompson (Revolutionary Road, Billy Elliot, An Education) alongside Dan Winch in his first Producer role.
Lionsgate UK has also recently acquired LOVE, ROSIE. Lily Collins stars in the title role and Sam Claflin portrays her best friend and star-crossed lover, Alex.
Christian Ditter (Wickie and the Treasure of the Gods, French for Beginners) directs the film from a screenplay by Juliette Towhidi (Calendar Girls) based on the best-selling novel “Where Rainbows End” by internationally renowned author Cecelia Ahern. Constantin Film’s Robert Kulzer (The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones, Resident Evil franchise) and Canyon Creek Films’ Simon Brooks (White Noise) will produce. Constantin Film’s Head of Film & TV, Martin Moszkowicz, (The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones, Resident Evil franchise, 3096 Days) will executive produce. Principal photography will commence in May 2013.
