Big Talk’s Man Up underway

Principal photography is underway in London today on Man Up, Big Talk and StudioCanal’s rom-com starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell.

Additional cast includes Rory Kinnear, Olivia Williams, Sharon Horgan, Harriet Walter, Ken Stott and Stephen Campbell Moore.

Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners Movie) directs Tess Morris’ script about a disillusioned single woman (Bell) who mistakenly goes on a date with a freshly-hatched divorcee (Pegg).

According to the production, the “chaotic and unconventional” date includes lost divorce papers, a stalker, competitive indoor sports and an “epic venue-to-venue urban triathlon”.

“It’s about taking chances, making decisions and rolling with the consequences,” reads a log line.

Producers are Nira Park and James Biddle with executive producers Matthew Justice, Simon Pegg, Rachael Prior, Dan Cheesbrough, Danny Perkins, Jenny Borgars, Christine Langan and Joe Oppenheimer.

Backing comes from UK distributor Studiocanal (which will also distribute in Australia) and BBC Films, which makes its first collaboration with The World’s End producer Big Talk.

Shooting will take place in London over the next six weeks.

Producer Park told ScreenDaily: “I fell in love with these characters from the first read, and I know audiences will as well. There is so much warmth, wit, and heart-breaking honesty in their uniquely modern love story.

“These are two very relatable characters, whose experiences have insulated them against the idea of a fairytale, happy ever after, who despite their disillusionment, stumble across it nonetheless.”

In a World star Bell will next be seen in Disney’s Million Dollar Arm opposite Jon Hamm and Alan Arkin.