British actress Sally Hawkins (Happy Go Lucky, Layer Cake, Little Britain) will star in the forthcoming Irish comedy film ‘Happy Ever Afters’, the feature directorial debut from writer/director Stephen Burke (Anner House, 81).
Sally Hawkins, who is currently garnering rave reviews for her comedic performance in Mike Leigh’s ‘Happy Go Lucky’, will play the female lead in the screwball story of two wedding parties taking place in the same hotel at the same time. Brit actor Tom Riley (I Want Candy) is attached to play opposite Hawkins as the leading man.
The Irish/German co-production is produced by Lesley McKimm of Newgrange Pictures (the company behind the mulit-award winning ‘Kings’) and Christine Rupert of Germany’s Tatfilm. Jane Doolan is exec producer.
Shooting is currently planned to begin in Dublin towards the end of June, with a five week period of principal photography scheduled. Speaking to IFTN, producer Lesley McKimm said; “Stephen is a very talented director and he’s written a very funny script that we are very excited about now getting the chance to realise.”
Both Newgrange and Tatfilm previously collaborated on the German feature ‘Kill Daddy Goodnight’ and the production of ‘Happy Ever Afters’ is the Irish reciprocal part in that deal. Post production will take place in Germany.
Films Distribution are handling sales, with the French distribution rights already sold to Haut et Court. Further pre-sales will begin at Cannes in May. ‘Happy Ever Afters’ is supported by the Irish Film Board and NRW.
