Budapest 16th July 2007: Principal photography begins today on a spectacular new film based on the story that inspired the great Russian composer Piotr Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet. Award winning Russian director Andrei Konchalovksy (Runaway Train, Maria’s Lovers, Tango & Cash, Duet for One), who also wrote the screenplay with Chris Solimine (The Odyssey, Moscow Chill), will direct the fantasy film NUTCRACKER-THE TRUE STORY. Oscar®-winning lyricist and librettist Sir Tim Rice (The Lion King, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) will create the lyrics to eight exciting new songs based on familiar and much loved Tchaikovsky scores.

The songs and dances will be performed in various styles, including a classic love song, a Russian polka and a fabulously jazzy Busby Berkeley tribute number. The stunning visuals and breathtaking sets are designed by Emmy-nominated Kevin Phipps (V for Vendetta, Troy).

NUTCRACKER –THE TRUE STORY will be produced by Paul Lowin (Rollin’ with the Nines) with Moritz Borman (World Trade Center, Alexander, Terminator: Rise of the Machines) acting as executive producer. Shooting on the 13 week production will take place at Stern Film Studios in Budapest, Hungary where the construction crew have been re-creating old style Vienna with vast, spectacular sets, including a life-size doll’s house and a colossal Christmas tree.

“I have been trying to make this film for a very long time,” says director Andrei Konchalovsky, “and now that CGI and technical wizardry have come so far, I can finally realise my dream.”

Cast confirmed to star in the big screen family favourite, NUTCRACKER – THE TRUE STORY includes John Turturro (Transformers, Slipstream, The Good Shepherd) as the stunningly evil Rat King, Award-winning Nathan Lane (The Producers) as kindly Uncle Albert, and 9 year-old Elle Fanning -Dakota’s younger sister and already a veteran of several films, including Babel, The Nines, and Reservation Road – as Mary. Rounding out this strong ensemble cast are British favourites Richard E Grant (Corpse Bride, Gosford Park) as Mary’s father and Tony Award-winner and BAFTA nominee Frances de la Tour (The History Boys, Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire) as sinister Fraulein Eva.

“I am delighted to be involved with what promises to be a magical experience, as much for us film-makers as well as, we hope, worldwide audiences,” says executive producer Moritz Borman. “I cherish the hope we are about to produce something very unusual and thrilling,” adds producer Paul Lowin.
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Set in Vienna at Christmas in the 1920’s, this breakthrough production tells the story of two children, Mary (Elle Fanning) and Fritz (Aaron Michael Drozin) who eagerly await the arrival of their Uncle Albert (Nathan Lane) to the family home. He finally arrives bearing gifts including a magical Nutcracker doll. On Christmas night, Mary’s new friend comes to life and takes her on a whirlwind adventure she’ll never forget, transforming her home into a fantastic world of life-sized dolls, and a gigantic Christmas tree, where anything is possible. Toys come to life, flowers dance before our eyes and handsome suitors take us to a kingdom in the clouds. When Mary meets the Fairy of the Forest and is granted the ability to fly, she is take on a roller-coaster ride of adventure, thrills and fear as they battle to save the city from the evil Rat King (John Turturro) and his sinister sidekicks soaring through the smoky skies.

With a privately financed budget of US$65 million, NUTCRACKER – THE TRUE STORY will be filmed using the latest technology in CGI and cutting edge special effects.

Target Entertainment will represent the international licensing rights (excluding Japan) for Nutcracker-The True Story, which will roll out with the film’s general release in winter 2008. Target Entertainment’s Director of International Licensing Helen Howells, comments: “This deal marks a major step in the growth of Target Entertainment’s licensing division and we are over the moon to have secured the licensing rights to this spectacular new movie. The storylines and vibrant characters provide a multitude of licensing opportunities and we can’t wait to get started!”

The producers will wait until photography is underway before negotiating distribution agreements. CAA’s David Bugliari, Bart Walker and Tony Lipp were instrumental in packaging the deal.

For further information, please contact:
Susie Tullett – 0207 932 9800 (D/L: 0207 932 9875)
Susie.tullett@ddapr.com
Larry Garrison (Unit Publicist – Budapest) 00 36 305 500 861
Larmgar@aol.com