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PRODUCTION UK

O’Connor to shoot Private Peaceful

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Director Pat O’Connor (pictured) will commence principal photography on Private Peaceful at Ipswich and Suffolk locations on August 31.

The film is written by debutant Simon Reade and based on the novel by Michael Morpugo. The story follows the life of a boy from rural Devon in 1908 to the horrors of World War I.

The all-British cast includes George MacKay (The Boys Are Back [+see also:
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), Jack O’Connell (Harry Brown [+see also:
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), Richard Griffiths (The History Boys [+see also:
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), Alexandra Roach (The Iron Lady) and Frances De La Tour (Alice in Wonderland).

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The score is to be composed by rock legend Mark Knopfler, formerly the front man of the band Dire Straits who has composed scores for several films including Wag The Dog and The Princess Bride.

Michael Morpurgo, author and Executive Producer, said, “More than 30 years ago, after meeting a First World War veteran from my own village in Devon, I wrote War Horse, my first book about this war. I then wrote Private Peaceful, after visiting Ypres, learning of the 300 British soldiers executed for cowardice or desertion – two for simply falling asleep at their posts. I read transcripts of their trials, and saw how unjust it had been. I visited their graves and knew I had to tell this story.”

“Knowing Simon and Pat, they will make the film with the passion and conviction that the 300 deserve,” he added.

Guy de Beaujeu and Simon Reade for Fluidity Films are producing Private Peaceful in association with Poonamallee Productions, developed in association with Peppermint Pictures. UK distributors are Exile Media.

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