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.
(Photo Credit: Catalyst Global Media)
