Lionsgate has taken UK and Australian rights to John Maybury's The Edge Of Love, previously known as The Best Time Of Our Lives.

Capitol Films is handling sales on the project, which is starting principal photography this week. The film is shooting in Wales before moving to London and Pinewood Studios.

Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy and Matthew Rhys star in the story of poet Dylan Thomas and his complicated relationships with two women he loved.

Capitol managing director Nick Hill negotiated the deal with Zygi Kamasa, chief executive of Lionsgate UK.

'We are delighted to be in business with Lionsgate on The Edge Of Love.They have been keen supporters of the project for some time and we are thrilled to have them come on board as the distributor in the UK and Australia,' said Hill. 'Their proven track record in releasing sophisticated yet commercial fare is second to none and their involvement at this early stage will be of great benefit as we continue to plan the world wide distribution of the film. We approach this year's Cannes with presales in place with many of the world's leading independent distributors and we expect to conclude deals in the few remaining territories during the market.'

Rebekah Gilbertson and Sarah Radclyffe are producing. The screenplay is written by Sharman MacDonald, Knightley's playwright mother.

Capitol also financed along with BBC Films, Wales Creative IP Fund/Finance Wales and Prescience Film Finance.