Motion Pictures
May 3, 2005
Warner Bros. Pictures, Initial Entertainment Group Infinitum Nihil And Heyday Films Acquire “A Long Way Down”
(May 3, 2005 - Burbank, CA) - Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the book “A Long Way Down,” by Nick Hornby, to be adapted as a motion picture. The announcement was made by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film will be produced by Graham King, Johnny Depp and David Heyman. King will produce for Initial Entertainment Group, Depp for his production company, Infinitum Nihil, and Heyman for Heyday Films. Kevin McCormick is overseeing the project for Warner Bros. Pictures.
“A Long Way Down” is a darkly comic story about four desperate people who meet on New Year’s Eve and form a surrogate family to help themselves weather the difficulties of their lives. The character-driven story follows each of their attempts to overcome their struggles, and the way that they alternately madden and rescue each other.
Hornby’s novel debuted in stores in the UK on Monday, May 2, and will be published in the U.S. in June by Viking Press; it is receiving critical acclaim on both shores. Hornby’s previous books include "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy," both of which were adapted as feature films.
“We are really pleased to be starting off our producing relationship with Graham and Johnny, and continuing to work with David, on such a terrific property,” said Robinov. “'A Long Way Down' is funny, dramatic and has a really strong story; I think it will make a wonderful movie.”
Said Depp, “This book is brimming with some of the finest writing, and some of the most outstanding characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. The cinematic possibilities are extraordinary. I am thrilled to be involved with such a masterful work.”
King added, "I am so excited to be producing such an amazing project. Hornby's 'A Long Way Down' continues his reputation of universal appeal with his accessible literary style and wonderful sensibilities."
Agreed Heyman, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Nick Hornby’s work and now to finally be collaborating on this remarkable and original project with Graham and Johnny is a real thrill.”
Initial has a production deal with Johnny Depp and his production company, Infinitum Nihil. The production companies will produce, with Plan B, the acclaimed novel "Shantaram" for Warner Bros. Pictures as a starring vehicle for Depp.
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