Jerrycan director Julius Avery to shoot film in early 2013.

Altitude Film Sales, the sales arm of Will Clarke’s new Altitude Film Entertainment,has boarded international sales for Julius Avery’s Australian crime thriller Son of a Gun starring Ewan McGregor. The company will kick off sales at the forthcoming AFM.

Hopscotch/eOne has acquired Australia/New Zealand rights and UTA will handle North America.

Avery will direct the film based on his original screenplay. Timothy White will produce for Southern Light Films. Financiers include Media House Capital and ScreenWest.

The story follows Australia’s public enemy number one (McGregor) and his protege.

Avery’s short Jerrycan won the jury prize in Cannes and the Australian Film Institute award for best short film.

The film will shoot in Perth and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia starting in early 2013.

“Julius is a very exciting new talent,” said Mike Runagall, Managing Director of Altitude Film Sales. “Son of a Gun is a truly compelling action thriller with an incredible sense of forward momentum, combining the tension and intensity of Animal Kingdom with the epic sweep of Heat. Julius is set to be the next break-out director following in the footsteps of David Michod and Justin Kurzel. We are thrilled to be working with him on his ambitious feature debut.”

“From the moment I first saw Jerrycan I was determined to a part of Julius’ debut feature,” added Timothy White. “He has a great combination of filmmaking craft and story instinct. We are intent on creating something that is dramatically compelling and filled with a raw, muscular energy.”