Winterbottom shoots '7 Days' in five years

Michael Winterbottom is to undertake an epic new project about UK prisons for Film4.

May 21 2007

Michael Winterbottom, currently wowing the Cannes crowds with new film 'A Mighty Heart', has announced plans to spend the next five years making a film about UK prisons entitled '7 Days'.

The drama will explore the relationship between an inmate and his family, with John Simm playing the prisoner in question and Shirley Henderson his wife.

Winterbottom plans to use improvisation techniques with actors and non-actors alike to make the film as realistic as possible, with the production also making use of documentary footage shot inside a working prison.

The film will be screened on Channel 4, and Controller of Film and Drama Tessa Ross said 'I am delighted that Michael Winterbottom has decided to bring this major project to Channel 4. '7 Days' reflects our commitment to produce the most ambitious and innovative films and Winterbottom is one of the UK's most innovative and distinctive talents.'

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