Burns film launches a unique opportunity for THE Immortal Memory, will be co-produced by Evil Twins

It was announced today (January 25th 2009), on the 250th anniversary of Scotland’s National poet Robert Burns’ birthday, that a unique opportunity is being launched to invest in the much anticipated feature film of the Bard’s life.

It was in 1786 with a system of subscriptions that the now famous Kilmarnock Edition was first printed and first popularised Burn’s distinguished works. Now, in keeping with that historical act, the film producers are to release 250 subscriptions for people or companies to be involved in what will be a historic and star studded film for Scotland.

Starring Gerard Butler (300, The Phantom of the Opera, Nimh’s Island, Rocknrolla, Dear Frankie) and written by Alan Sharp (Rob Roy) the film is set to shoot in Burn’s native Ayrshire and Edinburgh in 2009.

Launching this campaign, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is hosting a presentation dinner at Edinburgh Castle in April to help put in place these fortunate 250 individuals, groups or corporate sponsors. With the major part of the funding already in place from traditional film industry sources, the producers are set to replicate the mood of Burns’ own Kilmarnock Edition subscribers.

The Producers are also currently in discussion with Scottish Screen, the country’s screen development agency. [b]The Film is being produced by The Mob Film Company and co produced by the American film production company owned by Gerard Butler and Alan Siegel.[/b]

First Minister, Alex Salmond said:

“Robert Burns is rightly regarded as Scotland’s favourite son. He is an international cultural icon and his life and work is celebrated across the globe. It would be great for Scotland if Burns could be recognised and immortalised in modern film, particularly as we mark the 250th anniversary of his birth this year and celebrate his genius through Scotland’s Year of Homecoming.

“I am delighted this film is set to be shot in Scotland with another great Scot, Gerard Butler, starring as Burns.”

Director, Vadim Jean said:

“There would be something so very poetic about subscriptions making possible the first feature film about Robert Burns since the 1930’s. It will present Burns to the world in the most powerful medium of all – something that feels so much more significant in the 250th anniversary of his birth.”