EXCLUSIVE: Brightlight Pictures with the support of Telefilm Canada is lining up period epic White Slaves Of The Nootka.

The true story takes place in the 18th century as the Nootka people, a Pacific Coast First Nations community, kill all but two men aboard a British fur / arms trading ship.

The prisoners form a relationship with the Nootka and learn their ways. They eventually escape and recount their story across Europe.

Bruce Dowad brought the project to Brightlight head Shawn Williamson [pictured] and will direct. Josh Byer wrote the screenplay for White Slaves Of The Nootka and delivered the first draft this week. Williamson produces with Jak Osmond.

Williamson told ScreenDaily he had earmarked principal photography for spring 2014 on Vancouver Island.

Williamson’s producer credits include White Noise and he has served as executive producer on the Robert Redford thriller The Company You Keep as well as the upcoming fantasy horror Horns with Daniel Radcliffe.

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