Northern Soul-era coming-of-age story Souled Out starts shooting today for five weeks.

The cast features Martin Compston, Alfie Allen, Craig Parkinson, Nichola Burley, Felicity Jones, Brian McCardie, Jo Hartley, Pat Shortt and Huey Morgan.

Shimmy Marcus is directing for Ipso Facto Films and Dreamfinder. The project is shooting on location in Stoke-on-Trent, UK.

Jeff Williams wrote the original screenplay.

The story, set in 1974 during the Northern Soul heyday, is about a 17-year-old boy (Compston) who strives for acceptance while spending his nights dancing at The Wigan Casino.

Soda Pictures will release Souled Out in summer 2009 in the UK and Moviehouse Entertainment is handling international sales.

Also supporting the project financially are Screen West Midlands and Northern Film and Media.

Lee Thomas, head of production for Screen West Midlands, said: 'Jeff Williams' witty and tenderly observed script propels us back into an exhilarating time in West Midlands' popular cultural history, and reminds us what it's like to fall in love with music for the first time. Shimmy and the team have assembled an amazing cast and we feel very confident about the film's prospects.'

Original music to the film will be recorded by The Dap Kings with a soundtrack of original Wigan Casino classics.

Souled Outhas been developed over the past five years by Christine Alderson for Ipso Facto and Natasha Carlish for Dreamfinder.

Topics