Sony Pictures Commences Production On Michael Caton-Jones’ Adaptation Of Alan Warner’s Coming-Of-Age Novel THE SOPRANOS

Directed By
Michael Caton-Jones

Starring
Eve Austin
Tallulah Greive
Abigail Lawrie
Sally Messham
Rona Morison
Marli Siu
Kate Dickie
David Hayman

Today, Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP), in association with Screen Scotland, announced they have commenced production on an adaptation of Alan Warner’s award-winning novel The Sopranos, with director Michael Caton-Jones (Memphis Belle, Rob Roy, This Boy’s Life, Asher) at the helm. The coming-of-age comedy is set in Scotland in the 1990s and will star Eve Austin, Tallulah Greive, Abigail Lawrie, Sally Messham, Rona Morison, and Marli Siu alongside Kate Dickie and David Hayman. The film is written by Michael Caton-Jones, Alan Sharp, and Rachel Hirons, and is produced by Four Point Play Pictures’ Michael Caton-Jones and Laura Viederman, and Sigma Films’ Brian Coffey. Executive producers are Alan Warner and Jennifer Armitage (Screen Scotland).

Set over the course of a single day, the film follows a choir of Catholic school girls on a trip to Edinburgh for a music competition and will be shot entirely in Scotland. Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly are the music producers on the project. Most recently, they wrote the music and lyrics for Anna and the Apocalypse which is scheduled to be released by Orion Pictures on December 7, 2019.

“It’s hard not to understand Michael’s passion for this material and why he bought the novel 20 years ago out of his own pocket,” said Laine Kline, Head of Sony Pictures International Productions. “This project provides the audience with a rare unadulterated look into the lives of these young woman as they face life’s challenges with raw humour and courage.”

Michael Caton-Jones said, “Since optioning Alan Warner’s novel The Sopranos in 1998, the project’s development has been a labour of love and I am absolutely thrilled to be making the film now. It was always fundamental that the spirit of these fantastic strong female characters was brought to life accurately - and our six hugely talented young actresses are doing that in spades. I am also ecstatic to return to Scotland, my homeland, to shoot this particular film.”

“We are delighted to be supporting the film adaptation of Alan Warner’s iconic novel The Sopranos. This coming of age story of young women in Scotland has captivated audiences for many years, both in the original novel and its adaptation for stage. While the world has transformed since the 1990s, the wit and energy of The Sopranos is as fresh, and as raw, as ever. This is a wonderful opportunity for bold performances by a cast of young women, challenging conventional perceptions and portrayals of women in film. The project is being shot in Scotland and will be brought to life by the immense experience of director Michael Caton-Jones,” commented Jennifer Armitage, Screen Scotland.

Creative Executive Luke Scrase is overseeing for SPIP. Sony Pictures International Productions is the local production arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group. SPIP’s latest film Slaughterhouse Rulez is currently on release in the UK, starring Michael Sheen, Asa Butterfield, Finn Cole, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost. SPIP is currently in production on Greed directed by Michael Winterbottom and starring Steve Coogan, David Mitchell and Isla Fisher.

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About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics.

About Screen Scotland
Screen Scotland is the dedicated partnership for screen in Scotland. With £20 million from Scottish Government and the National Lottery, Screen Scotland is driving the cultural, social and economic development of all aspects of the sector in Scotland, through enhanced funding, services and support. Screen Scotland sits within Creative Scotland and is a partnership with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council, working in close collaboration with the sector to ensure its success. @screenscots