Focus Features has announced that production has officially started on Promised Land. Arriving from two-time Academy Award nominee director Gus Van Sant, the film is a contemporary drama from an original screenplay written by John Krasinski and Matt Damon, based on a story by Dave Eggers.
In addition to Damon and Krasinski, the cast of Promised Land includes Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married), Academy Award nominee Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild), Scoot McNairy (Monsters), Titus Welliver (The Town), and, in her fourth film for Focus, Academy Award winner Frances McDormand. The movies crew includes Linus Sandgren (Shelter) as cinematographer, Dan Clancy (The Dilemma) as production designer, and Juliet Polcsa (The Sopranos) as costume designer.
Damon plays Steve Butler, a corporate salesman who arrives in a rural town with his sales partner, Sue Thomason (McDormand). With the town having been hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, the two outsiders see the local citizens as likely to accept their companys offer, for drilling rights to their properties, as much-needed relief. What seems like an easy job for the duo becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher (Holbrook) with support from a grassroots campaign led by another man (Krasinski) who counters Steve both personally and professionally.
Matt and I wanted to write a story about American identity,” Krasinski explained. “In all of todays political and economic rhetoric, I feel people often lose sight of the deeper, core principles of what defines us as a country. We knew we needed to find a contemporary issue that would serve as the backdrop to the story but, more importantly, allow us to fully explore this idea.
Matt and Johns script is rich in Frank Capra-esque qualities,” added Brody, “blending humor and heart while exploring the power of community in this day and age. An actors director like Gus will bring forth all the emotions in the story, which is a true passion project for everyone. Were proud to be making ‘Promised Land’ with Participant as our creative and financial partner.
Participant Media is co-financing the movie, for which Focus will hold worldwide rights and commence overseas sales at the Cannes International Film Festival in May. Filming begins this week in Pennsylvania for release next winter.
(Photo Credit: Joseph Marzullo / Ivan Nikolov / WENN.com)
