Zeta-Jones escapes to Houdini bio
Biopic talks
May 4, 2006
Catherine Zeta-Jones is in negotiations to star in the Harry Houdini indie biopic "Death Defying Acts" opposite Guy Pearce.
Described as a lavish period film, "Acts" centers on Houdini during the height of his career in 1926, when he toured the world, amassing large crowds with his elaborate and daring escape performances. Zeta-Jones is set to play an exotic psychic with whom Houdini embarks on a passionate affair.
Helmed by Gillian Armstrong ("Little Women," "Oscar and Lucinda"), the picture is scheduled to start filming in the U.K. later this summer. Tony Grisoni and Brian Ward penned the screenplay.
Australian Film Finance Corp., BBC Films and Myriad Pictures are financing the film.
Zephyr Films' Chris Curling and Macgowan Film Co.'s Marian Macgowan will produce the Australia/U.K. co-production, while Kirk D'Amico, Dan Lupovitz and Marcia Nasatir will exec produce. Myriad is handling worldwide sales for "Acts," with Becker/Dendy on board for Australia/New Zealand and DeAPlaneta for Spain. Other territories already presold include Canada, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Latin America.
Santa Monica-based Myriad's recent films include "Little Fish" and "Kinsey." Upcoming titles include "Copying Beethoven" and "Factory Girl."
Zeta-Jones won an Oscar for her supporting turn in the musical "Chicago." She is shooting the untitled Scott Hicks film.
She is repped by WMA and attorney Sam Fischer.
Described as a lavish period film, "Acts" centers on Houdini during the height of his career in 1926, when he toured the world, amassing large crowds with his elaborate and daring escape performances. Zeta-Jones is set to play an exotic psychic with whom Houdini embarks on a passionate affair.
Helmed by Gillian Armstrong ("Little Women," "Oscar and Lucinda"), the picture is scheduled to start filming in the U.K. later this summer. Tony Grisoni and Brian Ward penned the screenplay.
Australian Film Finance Corp., BBC Films and Myriad Pictures are financing the film.
Zephyr Films' Chris Curling and Macgowan Film Co.'s Marian Macgowan will produce the Australia/U.K. co-production, while Kirk D'Amico, Dan Lupovitz and Marcia Nasatir will exec produce. Myriad is handling worldwide sales for "Acts," with Becker/Dendy on board for Australia/New Zealand and DeAPlaneta for Spain. Other territories already presold include Canada, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Latin America.
Santa Monica-based Myriad's recent films include "Little Fish" and "Kinsey." Upcoming titles include "Copying Beethoven" and "Factory Girl."
Zeta-Jones won an Oscar for her supporting turn in the musical "Chicago." She is shooting the untitled Scott Hicks film.
She is repped by WMA and attorney Sam Fischer.
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