Distributor Optimum Releasing is backing edgy new British movie Here Comes The Summer, which is due to begin shooting on location in London in September.
The low budget youth film, which will be directed by former music journalist Ron Scalpello, is being billed as a Brit movie in the vein of La Haine and City of God. Scalpello has previously directed a short film, Pit, music videos and adverts but this will be his debut feature.
The film will be set in London during the sweltering summer of 1981 against the backdrop of the Brixton Riots and the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. It will be produced by Jason Newmark of Dan Films and Molotov Films’ Alan Mckenna.
It will evoke a period of huge unrest and racial tension in inner city London and of ferment in British youth culture. The soundtrack is expected to include music from bands including The Clash, The Undertones and The Jam. Casting will be confirmed shortly.
It film will tell the story of Paul, an obsessive rude boy, who is celebrating his 18th birthday with a weekend away. When one of Paul’s friends is beaten up by local right-wing skinheads, tensions boil over.
Jenny Borgars, head of production at Optimum, said: “It’s a coming of age story. It appealed to us because it is a teen film with a huge amount of energy. It is also quite political.”
International sales will be handled by StudioCanal.
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