Joseph White to Direct Catalyst Global Media Project, GENUS

It was revealed today that Joseph White will direct the sci-fi thriller "Genus" for London based production and finance outfit Catalyst Global Media. The feature reunites the team behind the award-winning hit online short 'The Brain Hack'.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Jonathan Trigell (writer of "Boy A," dramatized by Film Four and The Weinstein Co. and recipient of four BAFTA Awards), "Genus" is a gripping and action-packed sci-fi thriller set in a bleak and dangerous future.

The film is being adapted for the screen by Mike Carey, the award-winning novelist, graphic-novelist (Lucifer, Hellblazer and X-Men: Legacy) and screenwriter of Cannes 2015-reported Warner acquisition "She Who Brings Gifts" starring Gemma Arterton, Paddy Considine and Glenn Close. Genus will be Carey's next film.

In the not-so-distant future, genetic selection and physical perfection are the norm - all the qualities men and women aspire to can be purchased prior to birth, and those financially unable to 'self-improve' are ostracized as an underclass in London's King's Cross (The Kross). When a series of disturbing murders shakes the Kross, the unorthodox Detective Gunt is assigned to the case. As tensions mount between the improved and the unimproved, Gunt is running out of time. But as he gets closer to the truth and uncovers a larger conspiracy, he will come to question everything he's ever known to be true.

Said Catalyst CEO Charlotte Walls,"'Genus' is a fascinating proposition from novelist Jonathan Trigell who presents us with a piece of science fiction that is relevant and frighteningly possible. Mike Carey was our number one choice for this adaptation and we are thrilled to be announcing the talented and visionary director Joe White at the helm. Tonally and stylistically we see Genus as 'Gattaca' meets 'Looper' wrapped up in a detective thriller akin to 'Se7en' and we know that Joe's wide-ranging talents can make this a reality.'

Joseph White, who's VFX background includes credits on such films as "Skyfall," has recently garnered much notoriety and acclaim for "The Brain Hack" - an ambitious, mind-bending, award-winning and viral 19-minute online sci-fi thriller that he wrote and directed and which was commissioned, financed, produced and scored by Catalyst. "The Brain Hack" has already been optioned for a feature film remake by Jeff Robinov's Studio 8 and will be produced by 3 Arts Entertainment's Erwin Stoff, Will Rowbotham and Richard Abate.

"Genus" will go into production later this year.

Joseph White is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Earlier in the week Catalyst revealed a partnership with Blonde to Black Pictures, run by Sadie Frost and Emma Comley, and television heavyweight Tiger Aspect's film label (Tiger Aspect Pictures), that will see them finance and produce a new feature film project titled "Eaten", about a notorious fictional celebrity chef who belongs to an exclusive and upscale CANNIBAL ring. BAFTA-nominated director Caradog James ("The Machine") will direct the film from a script written by Rob Green ("Ripper Street" for Tiger Aspect).

About Catalyst Global Media

Headquartered in London, Catalyst is a hybrid, multifaceted film and television financing and production company making high-end, mainstream films and TV series for the global marketplace. Seasoned entertainment executive Charlotte Walls is co-founder of Catalyst and runs the company as its CEO. Al Hardiman and Gideon Lyons are co-founders with Walls and serve as principal partners. Catalyst operates with a mandate to serve as a top-tier supplier of commercially viable projects for the studios, networks, digital platforms and major independent distributors worldwide. Catalyst develops/finances/produces four to six projects a year across feature films and digital/television series. Budget ranges will vary depending on the size and scope of the individual projects.

Currently in production is "Peter & Wendy" based on the novel Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, written by the BAFTA-winning writer Adrian Hodges ('My Week With Marilyn') and starring Academy Award-nominated actor Stanley Tucci and international pop star Paloma Faith as Tinkerbell. The television special is produced by Headline Pictures ('Quartet', 'The Invisible Woman') in partnership with Catalyst Global Media and Great Ormond Street Hospital for ITV studios.

To post a comment, you must register and login.