Focus Features has boardedtwo new European productions - Belgium-set hitman drama In Bruges directed by this year's live action short Oscarwinner Martin McDonagh, and an adaptation of the bestselling World War II novelNaples '44: A World War II Diary Of Occupied Italy by Norman Lewis.
In Bruges is being produced by Graham Broadbent and PeteCzernin of UK production outfit Blue Print Pictures. McDonagh, who won theOscar for his short Six Shooterstarring Brendan Gleeson, will make his feature directorial debut on the filmwhich he has also written. He is also an established theatre director with anOlivier Award and a Tony nomination under his belt for his play The Pillowman.
Naples '44 will be produced by Francesca Barra through herBarra Film. Ben Hopkins has written the adaptation of the novel which recountedLewis' real-life experiences as a British intelligence officer stationed innewly liberated Italy towards the end of the war.
Focus has worldwide rights to both projects whichwere announced by Alison Thompson, president of Focus Features International,and John Lyons, president of production at Focus.
"It's a very exciting timeto move to generate more and more projects outside of the United States," saidThompson in a statement. "Martin is of the high caliber of creative talent thatwe'll be seeking out, and we look forward to working with smart producers onthe order of Francesca, Graham and Pete."
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