Becker Films International (BFI) has picked up worldwide rights toControl, AntonCorbijn's project about the life of the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis.

The project is currently out to casting and is scheduled to beginshooting in early 2006 in Manchester, Macclesfield and surrounding areas innorthern England.

Orian Williams and Todd Eckert are producing through theirClaraflora label, with Ian Curtis' widow Deborah Curtis co-producing withFactory Records founder and Joy Division manager Tony Wilson. BFI's head ofacquisitions Iain Canning brought the project to the company and will serve asexecutive producer.

"We're proud and excited to be involved with Control," BeckerFilms International president Reiko Bradley said. "It is a cutting edge projectwhile also classically engaging in that it is a story about a talented iconicartist's struggle with his personal and creative sides."

"We want to show every facet of why Ian was important ' hishumanity, his genius and his demons ' all in the context of the beautythat has become the trademark of Anton's work," Eckert added.

Corbijn made his name as a music video director and photographerand has worked with Joy Division, as well David Bowie, U2, Depeche Mode andNirvana.

BFI's AFM slate includes Peter Cattaneo's childhood drama OpalDreams; Mary McGuckian'smedia satire Rag Talestarring Rupert Graves, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Malcolm McDowell; and BrettLeonard's Feed, apsychological thriller.