The Weinstein Company (TWC) has picked up North American rights toMiss Potter fromPhoenix Pictures and David Kirschner Productions.

Chris Noonan's Beatrix Potter biopic is currently inproduction in the UK and stars Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson,Barbara Flynn, Bill Paterson and Lloyd Owen.

Kirschner Productions' David Kirschner and Corey Sienega areproducing alongside Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and David Thwaites of PhoenixPictures. Zellweger is serving as executive producer. Summit Entertainment ishandling international sales.

TWC's executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productionsMichelle Krumm brought the project in to the company.

Miss Potter follows the author's struggle against a domineering mother and amale-oriented society to become published. She went on to write the Brer Rabbitstories, among others, and is one of Britain's most beloved children's authors.

"Phoenix and Kirschner Productions have brought together afantastic collection of talent that we think makes Miss Potter distinctive, emotional and highlyinteresting," Harvey Weinstein said. "We are thrilled to be a part ofit."

"We at Phoenix, Kirschner Productions, and Renee areextremely happy to be partners with The Weinstein Company on the production ofMiss Potter," Medavoy added.

"Harvey's respect for talent and love of movies is legendaryand we know we've found a good home for the project."

"This has been a longtime passion project for us to bringRichard Maltby's enchanting version of Beatrix Potter's life to thescreen," Kirschner said. "I am so proud to have teamed up with Renee,Mike and the whole group at Phoenix on this, and we couldn't dream of betterpartners than the Weinsteins to bring this wonderful story to North Americanaudiences."

TWC's Agnes Mentre and Eric Roth negotiated the deal with ArnieMesser on behalf of Phoenix Pictures.

Kirschner Productions recently produced Universal's CuriousGeorge with ImagineEntertainment, and Menno Meyjes' upcoming Martian Child for New Line.

Phoenix Picturescurrently has three films awaiting release this year: Marcus Nispel's Pathfinder for Fox, David Fincher's Zodiac for Paramount and Warner Bros, and SteveZaillian's All The King's Men for Columbia Pictures.