As the 13th edition of the Rotterdam Lab gets underway tomorrow (Jan 26), a number of British producers are discussing projects including a new thriller written by Donkey Punch’s David Bloom, feature documentary Driven, and Warp Films’ adaptation of David Whitehouse’s Bed.
Rotterdam Lab has a total of 74 producers selected this year, each nominated by 29 international training bodies and funding organisations (including the UK’s Creative Skillset and Centre for the Moving Image). Lab participants take part in panels and coaching sessions as well as presenting their companies and projects in a ‘speed dating’ format.
Jessica Levick [pictured] of London-based Magnified Pictures (Personal Best) is presenting Sirocco, a psychological thriller set in the south of France written by David Bloom (Donkey Punch) developed through the MEDIA-funded Passion to Market programme; and I’m Not Really Here, based on the bestselling book by former Manchester City footballer Paul Lake, which is being adapted and directed by Keri Collins.
Cat Cooper from Wales-based Elfin Productions is currently collaborating with US producer Ilyssa Goodman, amongst other partners. At IFFR, she is presenting Elfin co-production Driven, a feature documentary about a couple who drove around the world in a 1934 London taxi during the 1950s, starting in Africa and ending in Japan. The film is currently in post-production, directed by Jonathan Howells, produced by Rob Fletcher for Start in Morocco Films, executive produced by Cooper and Tom Roberts, and with world territories sold by PBS International
Libby Durdy of Warp Films is discussing the company’s adaptation of David Whitehouse’s debut novel Bed (being developed with Film4). Durdy describes it as “a coming of age story like no other,” about a man who decides to go to bed and never get out again. Mark O’Halloran is adapting the screenplay; no director is attached yet. She is also discussing Shane Meadows’ Tommy Simpson cycling biopic and the family film set against a Victorian-era freak show, Wild Boy.
Tom Stuart’s London-based Asalva Films aims to produce for an international audience. At IFFR, Stuart is presenting Something Good, a comedy-drama to be directed by Alex Winkler and written by award-winning playwright Nick Payne, in partnership with BBC Films. Stuart has a number of other films also in development.
Edinburgh-based Sarah Drummond of Screen Productions discussed dark romance As Long As We Live, her first feature film production that is in development with writer/director Graham Fitzpatrick.
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