Lionsgate UK goes Fishing with BBC and Kudos

Lionsgate UK is partnering with BBC Films and Kudos Pictures on the adaptation of bestselling novel Salmon Fishing In The Yemen.

Lionsgate International will start worldwide sale on the film here at the market; the shoot is set to start this summer.

Lasse Hallstrom will direct Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas. Simon Beaufoy adapted Paul Torday’s book. Paul Webster (Atonement) and Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) will produce along with BBC Films.

“After completing Blitz, our first UK production last year, we are thrilled to be backing our latest production with the utterly charming, funny and romantic British comedy Salmon Fishing In The Yemen,” said Lionsgate UK CEO Zygi Kamasa. “Partnering with acclaimed, multi-award winning talents such as Paul Webster, Lasse Hallstrom and Simon Beaufoy alongside the gifted actors on board is such a fantastic opportunity for Lionsgate.”

Kamasa brokered the deal with Paul Webster and Paula Jalfon of BBC Films.  

Christine Langan, Creative Director, BBC Films added, “Jamie Laurenson and Paula Jalfon at BBC Films have worked tirelessly with Paul Webster at Kudos to get Simon Beaufoy’s beautiful adaptation off the ground. Salmon Fishing is a truly inspirational project. We’re very excited at the prospect of  Lasse Hallström’s expert handling of the material and the enthusiastic backing of Zygi Kamasa and his team at Lionsgate is a perfect result.”

Producer Paul Webster said: “We have hooked a dream cast and director and landed the best sales team in the world; we are thrilled to be in business with Lionsgate.”