Lights, Camera, West Cork! Region gears up for biggest film production in its history
This September, the region will roll out the red carpet as cameras start rolling on the largest film production ever to be shot here.
The ambitious project, produced by Burns Co in partnership with Redted Media, will transform the newly built West Cork Film Studios into the beating heart of a cinematic undertaking set to bring jobs, investment, and a touch of Hollywood glamour to the coast. West Cork is bracing for its biggest close-up yet. Pic:The biopic, which currently has the working title Jimmy, brings to life the career of It's a Wonderful Life star Jimmy Stewart.
According to the synopsis: 'Jimmy charts the incredible journey of Stewart from small-town Pennsylvania to the glitz of Hollywood, where he won an Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story, before pausing his acting career to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
'Stewart flew 20 combat missions in Europe and rose to the rank of Brigadier General—one of the highest-ranking actors to serve in active duty. After returning from the war, Stewart starred in the now-iconic It's A Wonderful Life—a film that, like Stewart himself, would go on to become an American classic.' The biopic, which currently has the working title Jimmy, brings to life the career of It's a Wonderful Life star Jimmy Stewart. Pic: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
The cast is led by Riverdale star KJ Apa n the role of Jimmy Stewart, with a supporting ensemble that includes Jason Alexander as studio mogul Louis B. Mayer, Max Casella as director Frank Capra, Sarah Drew as columnist Hedda Hopper, Julian Works as Lt. Martinez, Jen Lilley as Stewart's wife Gloria Stewart.
The highly discussed flick is to be directed by Aaron Burns, who also serves as producer.
He is joined by screenwriter Justin Strawhand, who co-produces alongside David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and John Norton of Redted Media.
Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, daughter of Jimmy Stewart, also serves as executive producer on the film, excitedly stating: 'My family and I are delighted and excited that KJ Apa has agreed to play my father in this film.'
Principal photography begins on September 1, with Extra Extra casting agency in Cork having put out a call for over 1,000 extras of all ages for the production.
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