Hot Scottish actress Karen Gillan arrived in Cannes for the first time this week, to announce the filming dates for her first leading role in a feature film.
Later this summer, the striking redhead will play the female lead in indie comedy Not Another Happy Ending, which will begin shooting in July 2012.
Directed by John McKay (Crush, We’ll Take Manhattan) Not Another Happy Ending is a quirky comedy that sees Karen star as Jane Lockhart - a headstrong and passionate writer of miserable fiction who suffers a serious bout of writers block on her second novel.
Desperate to get her writing again, Jane’s publisher Tom Welles embarks on an ill-fated campaign to unblock her - by making her unhappy. And it works. The trouble is, they will both soon discover they are secretly in love with each other...
The actress, who just last week bowed out of her popular role as Amy Pond in the BBC’s Doctor Who, said, "It’s incredible to be here in Cannes. It’s always been my ambition to take on a film role - certainly, when the right role came my way.
"When I first read the script I immediately fell in love with Jane and felt really drawn to the role and then, as soon as I heard that John was on board I knew it was something I wanted to do. I’m really looking forward to start shooting in July; it’s going to be completely different to anything I’ve ever done before and I can’t wait to get started."
Director John McKay said, "David Solomons has written a brilliant character in Jane and we’re really excited that Karen Gillan has taken on the role. I’ve had great fun working with Karen before and she’s such an incredible talent.
"I have every confidence that that this role will firmly cement her credentials as a film actress and will be the start of a very long career in the industry."
Not Another Happy Ending will be shot in and around Glasgow, Scotland from late July. International sales are being handled by LevelK. The film will be produced by BAFTA winning Claire Mundell (Weekend, Crying With Laughter) and Wendy Griffin of Synchronicity Films.
Producer Claire Mundell said, "Not Another Happy Ending is a very special project. We’re incredibly excited to be here with the film, sharing what will be the first of many trips to Cannes for Karen. She is perfect as Jane Lockhart and we can’t wait to start filming in late July."
Boutique Film Financier British Film Company is backing the film, with the involvement of Creative Scotland and BBC Scotland. Post Production on the film will be carried out by the award winning team at Molinare.
Steve Milne, Chief Executive of British Film Company said '" I loved 'We''ll take Manhattan" and believe Karen has what it takes to effortlessly transition to the big screen. The screenplay made me laugh and smile, and I just think there has to be more good cheer in the world right now."
Tagged in Cannes Film Festival Karen Gillan