10/10/2012 - Adaptation of Booker-winning novel underway in Ireland

Stephen Brown has commenced five weeks of principal photography at County Wexford, Ireland, locations for his feature debut The Sea. Based on a screenplay adapted by John Banville from his Man Booker Prize winning novel, the film follows Max, who after the death of his wife, returns to the sea where he spent his childhood summers, provoking a liberating reflection as the present brings out potent memories from a momentous summer years ago.

The Sea stars Ciaran Hinds (photo) in the central role of Max, Charlotte Rampling, Natascha McElhone, Rufus Sewell, and Sinead Cusack amongst others. The film is an Independent (UK) and Samson Films (Ireland) production in association with Rooks Nest Entertainment, Quicksilver Films, Windmill Lane Pictures and RTE with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the participation of The Irish Film Board. Luc Roeg (We Need To Talk About Kevin [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Lynne Ramsay
film profile]) and Michael Robinson (Mr. Nice) of Independent with David Collins (Once) of Samson Films are producing. Executive Producers are Andrew Orr, Philip Herd, Ernest Bachrach, Rebecca Long, Steve Spence, Michael Sackler and Julia Godzinskaya.

Roeg says, “I’ve wanted to make a film of John Banville’s haunting and soulful novel for several years and it’s been worth the wait. I’m excited to introduce a new film maker, Stephen Brown, to world cinema and I couldn’t be more delighted with the cast and crew we’ve assembled together with our producing partners at Samson Films.”

International film sales are being looked after by Independent Film Sales and Independent Distribution will distribute in Ireland and UK in 2013.