Wheatley's new film to get multi-platform release
Ben Wheatley’s feature will be released simultaneously across cinemas, and on free TV, DVD and VoD - a first made possible by the partnering of Film4, Picturehouse Entertainment, 4DVD and Film4 Channel.
A Field in England is a historical drama with a psychedelic twist, set during the English Civil War. It follows a small group of deserters who become involved with an alchemist’s search for hidden treasure.
Along with the choice of how and where to first see the film, spread across four different platforms, there is also a plan to screen it over the summer in fields in - you’ve guessed it - England.
The film is among the first to receive funding from the BFI Distribution Fund New Models strand, which aims to support new models of releasing and was the first film to be developed and financed through Film4’s talent and idea driven hub, 4.0.
It is written by Amy Jump and produced by Claire Jones and Andy Starke at Rook Films, with Anna Higgs, executive producer for Film4.
Wheatley said: "It's great to team up with Film4 to make this film and to work with new partners such as Picturehouse and 4DVD. We have tried to innovate with this film, in production and distribution. I'm very proud of the results and look forward to sharing the film with the audience."
Wheatley started his career as an animator and short filmmaker. After success with around one hundred virals, he soon moved into mainstream media, directing live action sections of Channel 4’s Modern Toss and Ideal for BBC Three.
In 2009 he took just eight days to direct the feature film Down Terrace, and went on to complete Kill List for Warp Films in 2010. Last November saw the release of his third film, Sightseers, a macabre comedy about a couple of serial killers caravanning around the Lake District. He is currently developing an American project, Freakshift.
Further information on A Field in England can be found on Production Intelligence, the online database of advance productions from The Knowledge.
