Beta Cinema, Free Turn Films and Tempo Productions unveiled a first look of "William Tell," the story of a crossbow-wielding warrior. The feature film is in its last week of principal photography in Italy. “Coming from a team of highly successful producers, helmed by acclaimed director Nick Hamm and studded with a top-class cast right down to the smallest roles, we are thrilled to add this universal, action-loaded and inspiring project to our line-up," Tassilo Hallbauer, Head of Sales and Acquisitions at Beta Cinema said. "The legend of Tell, his crossbow and the apple is known all over the world. We now want to bring the story behind the saga into cinemas around the globe.”
"William Tell" is a Free Turn and Tempo production with Groenlandia, in association with DNeg Films supported by the IDM Film Fund. Beta Cinema is representing worldwide sales rights with WME Independent representing domestic rights. The film is produced by Piers Tempest and Marie-Christine Jaeger-Firmenich. DoP Jamie Ramsay lenses, edited by two-time Academy-Award nominated Tariq Anwar with 2nd Unit Direction by Diyan Hristov. Francesca Sartori handles Costume Designs and multi-award winner, Tonino Zera is Production Designer. Lauren Evans and Avy Kaufman are the casting directors. Redefine, a division of celebrated VFX house Double Negative are handling Visual Effects.
The screenplay is written by Nick Hamm, adapted from Friedrich Schiller's world renowned classical play. The narrative unfolds in the 14th Century amidst the waning days of the Holy Roman Empire where Europe's nations fiercely vie for supremacy and the ambitious Austrians, desiring more land, encroach upon Switzerland, a serene and pastoral nation. The executive producers on the project include Jon Hamm, David Nichols and Francesco Marras. Hamm says: “Tell’s story has a relevance and immediacy that is strikingly contemporary. The Apple Scene in particular has gripped the world’s imagination for hundreds of years and yet has never been dramatized in modern cinema. As a filmmaker I couldn’t ask for a more exceptional cast to bring this story to life.”
William Tell, a formerly peaceful hunter, finds himself forced to take action as his family and homeland come under dire threat from the oppressive Austrian King and his ruthless warlords. Leading his fellow countrymen, Tell embarks on a courageous rebellion, seeking to defend their liberty and stand against the tyrannical forces that seek to subjugate them. Marie-Christine Jaeger-Firmenich says: “The legend of William Tell represents the values of freedom and independence to so many in my home country of Switzerland. I am therefore honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to share this story with audiences around the world.”
The film stars Claes Bang, Connor Swindells, Ellie Bamber, Golshifteh Farahani, Jonah Hauer-King, Rafe Spall, Emily Beecham, Academy-Award nominee Jonathan Pryce and Academy-Award winner Ben Kingsley. Further cast include an exciting range of upcoming talent, including Solly McLeod, Amar Chadha-Patel, Sam Keeley, Jake Dunn and Tobias Jowett. “The story of Tell has resonated throughout the ages; the combination of politics, intrigue and action set against the stunning mountain scenery lends itself incredibly well to cinema," Tempest said.