The next feature from director-writer Ben Wheatley, known for ‘Kill List’, ‘Sightseers’ and ‘A Field in England’, will shoot in Northern Ireland, including a key location in Bangor. The news was confirmed by Jeremy Thomas, who will produce the upcoming film entitled ‘High Rise’. The production will receive funding from the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, supported by Invest NI and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
‘High Rise’ is based on the classic British thriller by JG Ballard about an isolated community cut off from the rest of society in a luxurious tower block built on the eve of Thatcher’s England. Its inhabitants eventually break up into groups of violent tribes.
The screenplay will be written by Wheatley’s regular collaborator, Amy Jump. Tom Hiddleston, best known for his role as the villain Loki in the ‘Thor’/‘Avengers’ franchise, will play the lead.
Wheatley is regarded as one of Britain’s must-see directors for this generation, producing a number of unique and provocative films. He recently completed shooting on the new season of ‘Dr Who’ for BBC.
Jeremy Thomas, who previously produced Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘The Last Emperor’, stated “I’m delighted to be shooting this special film in Northern Ireland, with wonderful support from Andrew Reid (Head of Production at Northern Ireland Screen) and all at Northern Ireland Screen. We look forward to a great shoot.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, says “We are delighted to welcome Oscar-winner Jeremy Thomas and his team at the Recorded Picture Company to Northern Ireland. Our investment in products of this nature helps develop the Northern Ireland production; contributing to the long-term stability of our creative industries, through the creation of jobs and the evidence that Northern Ireland can compete in the global market.”
‘High Rise’ is slated for a July start. Thomas will produce through Recorded Picture Company. HanWay Films are handling international sales worldwide, with financiers including Film4 and the British Film Institute.
