March 16, 2009–The Weinstein Co. has acquired U.S. rights for British helmer Sam Taylor-Wood's John Lennon biopicture “Nowhere Boy.” Starring Kristin Scott-Thomas, Thomas Sangster and Anne-Marie Duff, the film relates the teenage years of the Beatles' member.
The script was penned by Matt Greenhalgh, who won a BAFTA Award earlier this year for Anton Corbijn's “Control,” about doomed Joy Division singer Ian Curtis. Shooting began March 8 on location in Lennon's native Liverpool.
The Weinstein Co. acquired the rights from U.K.-based Hanway Films. The U.K.-based Ecosse Films' Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae will produce the project, with Hanway handling worldwide sales. The picture was co-developed by public funding org the U.K. Film Council.
“Nowhere Boy” marks the feature directorial debut of artist-turned-filmmaker Taylor-Wood. Her short, “Love You More,” produced by the late Anthony Minghella, was an official selection at the 2008 Cannes Film Fest.
