Gilbert Films announced today that their next theatrical film project, YOU ARE HERE, will start production in May 2012 in North Carolina. The film, written and to be directed by Matthew Weiner (creator of Emmy® and Golden Globe® winning series MAD MEN, writer/executive producer of THE SOPRANOS) will star Owen Wilson (MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, WEDDING CRASHERS) and Zach Galifianakis (THE HANGOVER, DUE DATE). Discussions are underway for Amy Poehler (PARKS & RECREATION) to co-star. Weiner will be making his big screen debut after having directed numerous episodes of the award-winning MAD MEN through its five years of production. Gary Gilbert, Scott Hornbacher, and Jordan Horowitz will produce. Lionsgate is handling international sales.
Local weatherman and freewheeling bachelor Steve Dallas (Wilson) and bi-polar man-child Ben (Galafinakis) are childhood best friends who embark on a road trip home after Ben discovers that his estranged father has passed away. Once there, Ben is shocked to learn that his eccentric father had big plans for him and he’s inherited a whole lot more than his father’s money. As Ben struggles with his new responsibilities, his friendship with Steve is tested by the complications of his inheritance, his sister Terry’s (Poehler) ambition, and Steve’s desire to be with his father’s beautiful young widow Angela. YOU ARE HERE is a funny, charming, and deeply honest film about who we were, who we are, and discovering the power to embrace life, no matter how much you screw it up.
“This movie has been my passion for eight years and to see it come together with Owen and Zach and Amy is a dream come true,” said Weiner. “I can’t wait to get started because the movie is about everything I care about and I’m tired of reading it out loud to my friends.”
Noted Gilbert: “We are thrilled to finally bring this project to the screen. Matt is one of the brightest creative minds in television, and we are confident that this project will solidify the same reputation for him in the world of narrative film.”
About GILBERT FILMS
Gilbert Films is a Los Angeles-based production company dedicated to producing and financing both independent and studio films. With an eye for character-driven independent stories, Gilbert Films remains filmmaker-focused, ensuring unique films for mainstream audiences. Founder and CEO Gary Gilbert, along with Gilbert Films’ Jordan Horowitz, produced the Oscar®- nominated film THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, earning recognition from the PGA, Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Awards with nominations for Best Picture. The film won Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Actress (Comedy or Musical) and was nominated for four Academy Awards®, including Best Picture. Gilbert’s first feature, writer/director Zach Braff’s GARDEN STATE, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was honored with the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Gilbert also produced MARGARET, which Gilbert financed and produced with Fox Searchlight, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan; FROM PRADA TO NADA, the first film released by Pantelion Films, Lionsgate’s co-venture with Mexican media giant Televisa; Mark Pellington’s HENRY POOLE IS HERE; and MEET MONICA VELOUR, starring Kim Cattrall. Upcoming for Gilbert Films is the 2012 Sundance Narrative Competition film SAVE THE DATE, directed by Michael Mohan and starring Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, and Martin Starr; and QUAD, starring Aaron Paul, Lena Olin, Tom Berenger and Jeff Daniels, and directed by Mike Uppendahl. www.gilbertfilms.com
