Fox Searchlight Pictures' PresidentsStephen GilulaandNancy Utleyannounced that principal photography onThe Shape of Waterbegan today in Toronto, Canada. The film stars Academy Award nomineeSally Hawkins(Blue Jasmine,Happy Go-Lucky), Academy Award nomineeMichael Shannon(Revolutionary Road,99 Homes), Academy Award nomineeRichard Jenkins(The Visitor,Olive Kitteridge),Doug Jones(Crimson Peak,Hellboy), Golden Globe nomineeMichael Stuhlbarg(A Serious ManSteve Jobs) and Academy Award winnerOctavia Spencer(The Help,Gifted). Academy Award nominatedGuillermo del Toro(Pan’s Labyrinth,Crimson Peak) will direct and co-write withVanessa Taylor(Game of Thrones,Divergent). The film is being produced bydel ToroandJ. Miles Dale(The Vow,Scott Pilgrim vs. The World). Here’s whatGuillermo del Torohad to say in his statement.
“I started working onThe Shape of Waterright around the time we moved to Toronto forPacific Rim. Working withFox Searchlightand being supported by this beautiful group of actors and artists, I feel extremely blessed and brave.”
The Shape of Wateris an other-worldly story, set against the backdrop ofCold Warera America circa 1963. The film is described as a mysterious and magical journey fromGuillermo del Toro. The film starsSally Hawkins,Michael Shannon,Richard Jenkins,Doug Jones,Michael StuhlbargandOctavia Spencer. Here’s what producerJ. Miles Dalehad to say in his statement.
“It feels like we have an embarrassment of riches on this film. An ensemble ofincredible actorswho are working at the very top of their craft, a wildly original story fromGuillermo’s one-of-a-kind mind, and the brilliant team at Fox Searchlight to shepherd us along. We’re all very excited to see how far we can take it.”
Joiningdel Toroon the film are long time collaborators costume designerLuis Sequeira(The Strain,Mama,Carrie), director of photographyDan Laustsen- (John Wick Chapter Two,Crimson Peak,Mimic), visual effects supervisorDennis Berardi(Crimson Peak,Mama,Fight Club) and editorSidney Wolinsky(The Strain,House of Cards,The Sopranos). New to the team is production designerPaul Austerberry(The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,Pompeii). Co-Heads of ProductionDavid GreenbaumandMatthew Greenfieldand Vice President of ProductionDanTram Nguyenare overseeing the project for Fox Searchlight Pictures. Here’s what Fox Searchlight Pictures' PresidentsStephen GilulaandNancy Utleyhad to say in their joint statement.
“We are thrilled to be working withGuillermo del Toroas he is the ultimate visionary director. He has brought together an amazingly talented cast to bring this brilliant and unique story to life.”
Fox Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and the films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Searchlight Pictures is a unit of 21st Century Fox. Stay tuned for more updates onThe Shape of Wateras production continues in Toronto.
