11/03/2010

Ralph Fiennes is all set to begin principal photography on his directorial debut Coriolanus in Belgrade, Serbia on March 17.

Fiennes also produces along with Gabrielle Tana (The Duchess [+see also:
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trailer
film profile]), Julia Taylor-Stanley (The Tempest), Colin Vaines (The Young Victoria [+see also:
trailer
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Cinematographer Barry Ackroyd and sound mixer Ray Beckett, fresh off their BAFTA and Oscar wins for The Hurt Locker, are on board.

Fiennes will play the title role of Coriolanus, a revered Roman General, controlled by his mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave), who allies with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidus (Gerard Butler), to take revenge on Rome, a city that has spurned him.

Fiennes aims to combine the classical story with modern technology and a contemporary environment, to enhance the visceral quality of the original story.

Hermetof Pictures, Magna Films and Icon Entertainment International are presenting the film in association with Lip Sync Productions LLP, BBC Films, Kalkronkie LLP, Atlantic Swiss Productions, Artemis Films, MagnoliaMae Films and Synchronistic Pictures.

Executive producer for Hermetof Pictures is Marko Miscovic. Executive producers for Magna Films and Kalkronkie LLP are Robert Whitehouse, Christopher Figg and Will Young. Executive producer for Lip Sync Productions is Norman Merry, for BBC Films is Christine Langan and for Icon Entertainment is Anthony Buckner. Kevan Van Thompson is co-producer.

Icon is handling international sales, and Lionsgate is on board as the UK distributor.