Lionsgate U.K. Picks Up Pair of Projects From Writer-Director Ronnie Thompson

LONDON -- Lionsgate U.K., the British division of the Canadian studio giant, has added a pair of projects written by author and filmmaker Ronnie Thompson to its 2013-14 release slate.

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The U.K. company, which greenlights its own regional projects, said it has recruited I Am Soldier, written and directed by Thompson, and Green Street Hooligans: Underground, also penned by Thompson, for its distribution slate.

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Produced by James Harris and Mark Lane under production banner The Tea Shop & Film Company alongside Lionsgate U.K., I Am Soldier stars Tom Hughes (Cemetery Junction), Noel Clarke (Adulthood) and Alex Reid (The Descent) alongside emerging British talent George Russo, Josh Myers, Dave Goodman, Ian Pirie and Jordan Long.

Currently shooting, it details the story of a young man's quest to join the ranks of the British special forces unit, the Special Air Service, despite a parachute accident jeopardizing his chances.

Also now on the Lionsgate roster is Green Street Hooligans: Underground, written by Thompson and directed by James Nunn.

Harris and Lane will produce the title starring Scott Adkins (The Expendables 2) and Jack Doolan (Cemetery Junction) alongside rising talent Kacey Barnfield.

The film shot in the U.K. in 2012 and will be released in the fall of 2013.

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It details the story of a soccer hooligan turned mixed-martial-arts fighter who has to return to his old ways to avenge the death of his younger brother.

Producing for Lionsgate U.K., Nicola Pearcey said: "It’s been an important part of Lionsgate’s agenda to continue to produce U.K. content, and we’re excited to be able to do so with such a great team."

Both titles will be touted to buyers by SC Films during the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.