EXCLUSIVE: The star of last weekend’s US release Jimmy’s Hall from Ken Loach has come aboard KPI Entertainment and Deadpan Pictures’ Ireland-set contemporary generational drama.

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Evzen Kolar and Deborah Kolar of LA-based KPI Entertainment and Paul Donovan of Dublin’s Deadpan Pictures have targeted a late 2015/early 2016 start outside Dublin and in Liverpool on the sub-€4m UK-Ireland co-production.

Andrew Baird will direct Never Walk Alone from Christian O’Reilly’s screenplay that centres on three generations of men in an Irish community.

Ward (pictured in Jimmy’s Hall) will play Eamon, a man haunted by his childhood decision not to pursue trials with Liverpool FC who pressures his talented teenage son into taking a similar opportunity.

The producers are scouting a name actor to play the estranged grandfather, whose timely return to the fold sparks a plan. KPI and Deadpan are also reviewing potential sales agents.

Ward’s credits include Blood Cells and The Claim. The Kolars produced The Boys & Girl From County Clare, while Evzen Kolar’s work includes City Of Industry and Desert Heat.

Donovan produced TV series Moone Boy starring Chris O’Dowd as well as the features Wide Open Spaces and Dead Long Enough.