Oscar nominated actress Joan Allen will lead the cast in 'Though The Sky Falls' a major feature film loosely based on the life of crime journalist Veronica Guerin. The film which commenced principle photography on April 12th is directed by veteran director John Mackenzie (The Long Good Friday) and will be produced by Nigel Warren-Green and Michael Wearing , and executive produced by Kevin Menton , of Irish Screen. Detectives portrayed in the film will be lead by Patrick Bergin, and will also includes Jason Barry, who recently starred in 'Titanic'. Actors who will portray leading criminals in the film include Liam Cunningham, Jimmy Smallhorne, and Oscar nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite.
'Though The Sky Falls' is loosely based on the life, and death, of leading crime journalist Veronica Guerin, who was murdered on June 26th, 1996. Joan Allen plays journalist Sinead Hamilton, who finds herself propelled into a world of crime in Dublin, where the crime bosses rule and the police and judiciary seem powerless in response. She fearlessly exposes the world of the of the crime bosses, and in pursuit of her goal is shot down in an attempt to silence her. Her death leads to unprecedented public revulsion and leads to as series of sweeping anti-crime measures being introduced.
The film will be directed by John Mackenzie, whose numerous films have included 'The Long Good Friday' starring Bob Hoskins, 'The Honorary Consul' starring Richard Gere and Michael Caine, 'Ruby' starring Danny Aiello, and most recently 'Looking After Jo Jo' starring Robert Carlyle.
The Screenplay is written by Michael Sheridan, leading theatre director and journalist, whose theatrical credits have included 'Dr. Faustus' and 'Hamlet'; Ronan Gallagher, who has just completed writing and directing his first short film; and New York based award winning Irish writer Colum Mc Cann, who is currently working on Hollywood Studio backed adaptations of his recently published novels 'Songdogs' and 'This Side of Brightness', following the adaptations for the screen of his award winning short story 'Fishing the Sloe Black River'.
The film will be produced by Nigel Warren-Green whose executive production credits include 'Mrs Brown', and 'Vicious Circle', and Michael wearing, former BBC Head of Drama Serials, who joined Irish Screen in 1998. The film will be executive produced by Kevin Menton of Irish Screen and Peter Newman of Redeemable Features, will be line produced by John Mc Donnell ('Pete's Meteor', 'Lula on the Bridge' etc.) and will be co-produced by David Mc Loughlin ('All Souls' Day', 'Fishing the Sloe Black River' etc.)
The behind the camera team is headed by the leading Irish cinematographer Seamus Deasy, who recently received an award from the LA critics circle for his work on 'The General', production designer Mark Geraghty ('Dancing at Lughnasa', 'Welcome to Sarajevo', 'The Van' etc.) costume designer Lorna marie Mugan ('The American' etc.) and casting directors John and Ros Hubbard.
Joan Allen who recently received a Golden Globe nominated for her performance in 'Pleasantville', also received Oscar nominations for her performances in 'Nixon' and 'The Crucible' and received widespread critical acclaim for her role in 'The Ice Storm'.
Patrick Bergin who recently portrayed St. Patrick in the film of the same name has starred in 'Sleeping with the Enemy' with Julia Roberts; 'Mountains of the Moon'; and 'Robin Hood'.
Pete Postlethwaite received an Oscar nomination for his performance in 'In the Name of the Father', and has starred in many major features including 'The Usual Suspects', 'Romeo & Juliet', and 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park'.
Liam Cunningham recently starred in 'Sweety Barrett' which has just been released and was last seen in Stephen Poliokoff's acclaimed 'Shooting the Past'.
Jimmy Smallhorne recently stared in '2 by 4' which he also wrote and directed and which received much critical acclaim at leading International Film Festivals.
The film is produced by Irish Screen, one of Ireland's leading film finance and production companies whose recent productions include 'Vicious Circle' starring Ken Scott; 'The American' starring Matthew Modine; and the 6 part drama serial 'Aristocrats' due to be broadcast this summer. Irish Screen has also executive produced the highly acclaimed 'Mrs Brown' and the soon to be released 'Human Traffic'.
The film is being supported by Sky Pictures and Bord Scannan na hEireann/The Irish film Board. International sales are being handled by Icon Entertainment International.
Irish Screen,
34 Lower Baggot Street,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 662 3505
Fax: +353 1 662 3507
Email: info@irishscreen.ie
Web: www.iftn.ie/irish_screen
