Amy Winehouse biopic begins London shoot
Filming begins in London today, 16 January, on a new Amy Winehouse biopic with Industry actor Marisa Abela as the late singer-songwriter.
The film is from STUDIOCANAL, Focus Features and Monumental Pictures with Sam Taylor-Johnson directing. Taylor-Johnson is calling the shots from a screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh, well-known for his work writing biopics; the director previously helmed his film about John Lennon, Nowhere Boy, in 2009.
Alison Owen and Debra Hayward produce, with Nicky Kentish-Barnes exec-ing alongside Ron Halpern and Joe Naftalin. Nina Gold is the casting director.
Winehouse sold more than 30 million records worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. The film examines her genius and creativity during her tragically short life.
Taylor-Johnson said: “My connection to Amy began when I left college and was hanging out in the creatively diverse London borough of Camden. I got a job at the legendary KOKO CLUB, and I can still breathe every market stall, vintage shop and street... A few years later Amy wrote her searingly honest songs whilst living in Camden. Like with me, it became part of her DNA. I first saw her perform at a talent show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho and it was immediately obvious she wasn’t just ’talent’… she was genius.
“As a filmmaker you can’t really ask for more. I feel excited and humbled to have this opportunity to realise Amy’s beautifully unique and tragic story to cinema accompanied by the most important part of her legacy – her music. I am fully aware of the responsibility, with my writing collaborator – Matt Greenhalgh – I will create a movie that we will all love and cherish forever. Just like we do Amy.”
Owen added: “Amy Winehouse is the greatest musical talent of the 21st century so far. But like so many female icons, the tragedy of her death has seemed to obscure the triumph of her talent…the fun of the noughties, the craziness of Camden, her youth and brilliance – we want to reclaim that for her, with this film.”
The Amy Winehouse Estate commented: “We are thrilled that STUDIOCANAL, Focus Features and Monumental are making this movie celebrating our daughter Amy’s extraordinary music legacy and showcasing her talent in the way that it deserves.”
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