'Nowhere Boy' will track early years, rise to fame
By Stuart Kemp
Aug 29, 2008, 04:00 AM ET
LONDON -- The story of John Lennon is headed for the big screen with "Nowhere Boy," a biopic that will be directed by visual artist Sam Taylor-Wood.
Produced by U.K. shingle Ecosse Films, the script from "Control" screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh will focus on the Beatle's childhood and subsequent journey to icon status. Filming is set to take place on location in Lennon's hometown of Liverpool.
Greenhalgh's script details the story of Lennon as a lonely teenager growing up as his aunt and the mother who gave him up fight for his love. His only escape is music, art and his fateful friendship with Paul McCartney.
Casting for the major roles "is under way," the backers said of the project that is being co-developed with the U.K. Film Council.
Sales and finance house HanWay Films is handling worldwide sales and will be trying to get sellers to tune in at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
"The women in John's early life truly shaped who he became," Taylor-Wood said, "and the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film."
Ecosse and HanWay also worked together on "Becoming Jane" and "Brideshead Revisited."
