World Class Director Signed For Upham Film

World Class Director Signed For Upham Film

July 07, 2008

Justin Chadwick, director of The Other Boleyn Girl and the multi-award winning BBC production of Bleak House, has announced his new project, Mark of the Lion.

Mark of the Lion is the story of one of the world’s greatest war heroes, Charles Upham – the New Zealand soldier who won the Victoria Cross twice in World War II.

It’s the latest film to be shot in New Zealand which in recent times has hosted James Cameron’s Avatar, Laundry Warrior (Geoffrey Rush, Kate Bosworth) and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (Bill Nighy)

Chadwick is in New Zealand overseeing pre-production and is expected to start principal photography on or before October 1

“I am very excited about creating a film about a great and brilliant man who, along with a whole generation, went to fight overseas,” he says.

“After my visit to New Zealand earlier this year and talking with family, friends and many people who fought or farmed alongside Charlie, I was inspired to write a film about this truly great man and an equally brave and courageous young woman, Molly, who later became his wife.

“I hope to bring this extraordinary story to a new generation with a modern film that deals with love and war. This beautiful country has such rich and important stories with wonderful characters. I have received great support here from everyone and am excited to work here.”

The majority of the filming will take place in Taranaki and Canterbury with the remainder of the filming split between both North and South Islands.

Negotiations with cast are underway and announcements will be made next month.
Please note that Justin is extremely busy with pre production so will not be available for any interviews at this time.

ENDS

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