A local film production has scored some top international talent ahead of filming in Christchurch later this month.
The Changeover, directed by husband and wife duo Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt, is based on the book by Margaret Mahy and will feature British star Timothy Spall of Harry Potter fame, alongside much-loved Kiwis Melanie Lynskey and Lucy Lawless.
Actor Timothy Spall (818 Entertainment)
Principal photography is set to begin in the Christchurch CBD on September 19th, running until the end of October.
The Changeover is a supernatural coming of age thriller, telling the story of a devoted sister prepared to risk her life to save her bewitched brother.
Harcourt said she fell in love with the story in 1984.
"I was lucky enough to narrate it on radio when it was first published. Now, nearly 30 years later, we are making it as a movie."
The film also stars Kiwi newcomers Erana James and Benji Purchase.
"Erana James is an amazing discovery for the lead role and she is surrounded with internationally renowned talents," Harcourt said.
Filming the picture in Christchurch is also important for Harcourt, who said "you can't fake the look of this city, it is magical."
The Changeover will be distributed locally by Vendetta Films with a tentative release date of late 2017.
Newshub.
