Andie MacDowell is to star in FilmFour's UK comedy Sad Fuckers Club (working title) alongside Imelda Staunton and Anna Chancellor.

The film is the story of three female friends behaving badly. Newcomer John McKay, who has made a mark through shorts such as Doom & Gloom and Wet & Dry, is to direct from his own script. The film is to start shooting in June, with McKay's longstanding collaborator Lee Thomas producing.

FilmFour has also confirmed that Gillian Armstrong has signed to direct Ecosse Films' Charlotte Gray, for which Cate Blanchett has now signed to star. The love story is adapted by Jeremy Brock from Sebastian Faulks' best-selling novel. Sarah Curtis and Douglas Rae are producing, with principal photography expected early next year.

Additionally, Tobey Maguire and Harvey Keitel are attached to play the lead roles in another FilmFour-backed production, Jack Sheppard And Jonathan Wild. Ben Ross is directing the bawdy 18th Century story of London's infamous Thief Taker General and a young jailbreaker. Robert Jones is producing for the Jonescompany, while the screenplay is by Ross and John Preston.

"We are delighted at the level of talent that these three projects have attracted," commented Elinor Day, FilmFour's Deputy Head of Production, who will be overseeing all three films. "These productions illustrate our determination to make significant films that stand out from the crowd, and that are aimed at as wide an international audience as possible."