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Production begins next week in the UK on Focus Features and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Films' romantic drama Jane Eyre, produced by Ruby Films and based on Charlotte Bronte's classic novel.

Cary Fukunaga, whose debut feature was Focus' award-winning Sin Nombre, is directing Jane Eyre, to which Focus holds worldwide rights.

Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) will star in the lead roles of the romantic drama.

In the story, Jane Eyre (Wasikowska), flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester (Fassbender). The isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester's coldness – have sorely tested the young woman's resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. As Jane reflects upon her past and recovers her natural curiosity, she will return to Mr. Rochester – and the terrible secret that he is hiding.

The screenplay adaptation is by Moira Buffini, who for Ruby and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Films adapted the upcoming Tamara Drewe. Ruby's Alison Owen (an Academy Award-nominee for Elizabeth) and Paul Trijbits (Fish Tank) are producing Jane Eyre.

Christine Langan, Creative Director of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Films, is executive-producing for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳. Teresa Moneo, Focus senior vice-president, European production, is supervising the project for president of production, John Lyons.

The supporting cast includes Jamie Bell (of Focus' September release The Eagle Of The Ninth), Academy Award-winner Judi Dench, Holliday Grainger (of the upcoming Bel Ami), Golden Globe Award-winner Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky), Tamzin Merchant (Pride & Prejudice), and Imogen Poots (of the May release Solitary Man).

The director of photography on Jane Eyre is Adriano Goldman, reteaming with Cary Fukunaga following their acclaimed collaboration on Sin Nombre. Will Hughes-Jones (Survivors) is the production designer; Academy Award-winner Michael O'Connor (The Duchess) is the costume designer.

James Schamus, Focus CEO, said: "Cary is the ideal choice to realize this unforgettable story in its traditional setting, yet with contemporary vitality and spirit. With two of today's most promising new stars in Mia and Michael, plus an outstanding supporting cast, this will be a Jane Eyre for the ages."

Christine Langan added: "We're delighted to bring together two such fresh and impressive talents as director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini. Added to the gorgeous cast Cary has assembled, this is exactly the treatment Charlotte Bronte's evergreen classic Jane Eyre deserves."

Ruby Films is currently completing the aforementioned Tamara Drewe, directed by Stephen Frears. The company last produced John Alexander's award-winning telefilm Small Island; and Oliver Hirschbiegel's Five Minutes Of Heaven, starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt. Ms. Owen also recently executive-produced the acclaimed telefilm Temple Grandin, directed by Mick Jackson and starring Claire Danes.

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Films is the feature filmmaking arm of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳. It is firmly established at the forefront of British independent filmmaking, and co-produces approximately eight films a year. Working in partnership with major international and UK distributors, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Films aims to make strong British films with range and ambition. Creative Director Christine Langan is responsible for the development and production slate. Jane Wright is Managing Director, responsible for running the business operations and marketing aspects of the division.

Recent successes for the department include Lone Scherfig's Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA Award-winning An Education; Armando Iannucci's Academy Award- and BAFTA Award-nominated In The Loop; Jane Campion's Academy Award-nominated Bright Star; and Andrea Arnold's BAFTA Award-winning Fish Tank.

Currently on release is Martin Campbell's Edge Of Darkness, starring Mel Gibson and Ray Winstone; StreetDance, Britain's first-ever 3-D movie, hits UK cinemas on 21 May, 2010.

Focus Features and Focus Features International are part of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

LG