Luc Roeg’s Independent Film Company has picked up international sales on Lynne Ramsay’s We Need To Talk About Kevin to star Tilda Swinton.

Steven Soderbergh will serve as executive producer on the project, which is based on Lionel Shriver’s bestseller about maternal ambivalence and has been set for an early 2010 shoot in the US.

Independent will introduce the project to buyers at AFM and has come on board as co-producer and sales agent.

Jennifer Fox and Roeg are producing the film, with BBC Films’ creative director Christine Langan and Paula Jalfon serving as executive producers alongside Soderbergh.

Langan and Jalfon developed the project about a woman who tries to come to terms with the aftermath of her 15-year-old son’s killing spree. The producers are out to casting for the role of Kevin.

“Lynne Ramsay’s distinctive visual style and Tilda Swinton’s talent for conveying emotional complexity make them the perfect collaborators to bring this provocative and frightening story to life,” Fox said.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team,” Roeg said. “Lynne is one of Britain’s most important and inspirational film directors. Along with Jennifer’s impressive track record as a producer, Kevin is set to be a powerfully engaging interpretation of Shriver’s novel.”

“Lynne Ramsay has a visceral and compelling vision for Lionel Shriver’s provocative bestseller which we believe will stir audiences worldwide,” Langan added.