Richard
Jobson, once lead singer of Scot-punk group
the Skids is to direct his first movie, with
a top Hong Kong film maker aboard as producer.
From
his band days Jobson moved into writing, acting
and modelling, and a successful career as a
TV presenter.
His
directorial debut is to be based his own semi-
autobiographical novel about alcoholism. Sixteen
Years Of Alcohol begins shooting
in Edinburgh in September. Highly acclaimed
Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai will produce.
Personal
Movie
'
I'm very excited and very nervous. It's a very
personal film. I want it to be quite a romantic
story but it has quite a dark edge,' said Jobson.
The
plan for the film arose during Kar-Wai's visit
to the Edinburgh Film Festival last year to
promote his film In The Mood For Love.
'It was his idea,' said Jobson. 'We were both
in Edinburgh for the festival and he told me
he loved the Old Town area. 'Wouldn't it be
great to make a film there?' he said.'
However,
Jobson admitted he was initially unsure about
tackling the screenplay. 'He wanted me to do
it and I wasn't so keen -- but it has really
worked out,' he said.
Jobson
finished the adaptation of his 1987 novel earlier
this year. 'It's the story of a young man trying
to deal with how the past has affected him,'
he explained.
'Everywhere
he goes it seems to shadow him. He's trying
to move on and find love in his life. But he
kind of turns away from it every time he gets
close.'
It
is not yet clear who will play the lead roles,
although Jobson said he had made approaches
to several British actors.
Impressive
Record
However,
Kar-Wai's input in the film is certain to ensure
it makes an impact on the movie world. Described
as one of the most innovative film directors
of modern times, he has an impressive track
record.
His
notable productions include Chungking Express,
and in 1997 he won the Best Director award at
the 1997 Cannes Film Festival for Happy Together.
In The Mood For Love also
won a string of awards and nominations. His
latest film 2046, is due for release
this year.
Meanwhile,
Kar-Wai is currently discussing possible locations
in the Old Town with Edinburgh City Council.
Jobson added: 'Kar-Wai is one of my heroes and
for him to have encouraged me to do it is like
a dream.'
A
Scottish Screen spokeswoman said: 'We are delighted
somebody of Jobson's stature is coming back
to Scotland.'
