London Calling: Mike Leigh Shooting for 2010

Working on back to back Mike Leigh films must be like the back to school experience. You are surrounded by friends you made the year film before. I don’t think he has gone from one film to the next without rehiring some of the same cast – and as Screen Daily points out, Leigh who begins filming with a cast of twelve this week, has ten returning actors/actresses (only David Bradley and Stuart McQuarrie are first timers).

Much like how Woody Allen commences a new project, we have no title to work with, and no plot details. What we do know is that Sally Hawkins has spread her wings and won’t be returning, and that the Vera Drake pairing of Imelda Staunton and Jim Broadbent are top-lining. I’d be curious to know if Leigh will return to the comedy format.

Filming on the untitled project will takes place in London for nine weeks, Focus Features Int. is handling sales, and regulars DP Dick Pope, editor Jon Gregory, casting director Nina Gold, costume designer Jacqueline Durran and hair and make-up supervisor Chrissie Blundell are returning. Look for this to be high up on our list of must see films for 2010. After Happy-Go-Lucky, will this be high up on yours?