Producer Alex Ross ("The List") reports that producer Howard Rosenman ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer") has joined the feature project "The Chimes", a $20 million movie focusing on the 'cataclysmic' love affair experienced by 'beloved' 19th century author Charles Dickens, whose creation of 'Fagin' in the novel "Oliver Twist" , ranks alongside Shakespeare's 'Shylock' from the 'comedy' "The Merchant Of Venice" as one of the most grotesque characterizations of Jews in popular literature.
"...When 'Dickens' falls in love with ethereal, mysterious 'Isabella' he is drawn into her dark, dangerous world and risks everything to be with her: his career, his family, his sanity and even his life..."The film will lense in London and Genoa with principal photography starting Summer 2011. Rosenman is currently producing "Betsy and The Emperor", starring Al Pacino and Dakota Fanning.
"I am very excited Howard Rosenman is working alongside us to bring this almost devastating aspect of Dickens life to the big screen," said Ross. "We're currently out to directors and hope to announce on this within the coming weeks."
Domestic and International distribution/sales will be handled by Patrick Ewald CEO of Epic Pictures, Beverly Hills.
"The Chimes" was written by British screenwriter Callie Lane, who will also adapt the story as a stage musical, expected to debut in London, Fall 2011...
