Pinewood Studios (UK) reports that production has started on "Prometheus", 'an original science fiction epic' directed by Ridley Scott ("Alien"). The Twentieth Century Fox, Scott Free Productions and Brandywine Productions film, stars Noomi Rapace ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"), Michael Fassbender ("X-Men: First Class") and Oscar-winner Charlize Theron ("Monster").
The production is using several stages at Pinewood including the world famous '007 Stage'. This is the fifth time that Scott has shot at the studios, with previous films including "Alien", "Legend", "White Squall" and "Robin Hood".
"It’s my heritage, my personal heritage," said Scott about working at Pinewood and Shepperton. "I film everywhere in the world and I think all things considered what we have to offer here, is as good as anything you’re going to get in Hollywood."
"We are thrilled to welcome back Ridley Scott and the new production, 'Prometheus' to the studios here at Pinewood", said Andrew M. Smith, Group Director Corporate Affairs for Pinewood Studios. "It’s a testament to the UK’s experienced crews as well as the expertise of hundreds of complementary media companies based on site, that these films continue to choose Pinewood to film."
"Prometheus" re-teams Scott with several long-time collaborators, including production designer Arthur Max ("American Gangster"), Oscar-winning costume designer Janty Yates ("Gladiator"), Oscar-winning editor Pietro Scalia ("Black Hawk Down") and set decorator Sonja Klaus ("Kingdom of Heaven").
The initial draft of "Prometheus" was written by Jon Spaihts ("The Darkest Hour") from an idea by Scott, with Damon Lindelof ("Star Trek") and Scott developing the final screenplay.
"While 'Alien' was indeed the jumping off point for this project," said Scott, "out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology and universe in which this original story takes place. The keen fan will recognize strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative. I couldn’t be more pleased to have found the singular tale I’d been searching for, and finally return to this genre that’s so close to my heart."
Swedish actress Rapace plays the character 'Elizabeth Shaw'.
Scott’s original 1979 "Alien" feature, starring Sigourney Weaver was inspired by the 1958 sci-fi horror movie "It! The Terror From Beyond Space".
"Alien" was scripted by Dan O'Bannon from a story by Ronald Shusett, starring Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm and Yaphet Kotto.
"Alien" was produced through Brandywine Productions and distributed by 20th Century Fox, with producers David Giler and Walter Hill making significant revisions and additions to the script.
The original 'Alien' creature was designed by Swiss surrealist artist H. R. Giger, while concept artists Ron Cobb and Chris Foss designed the human aspects of the film.
Scott's "Alien" received an Academy Award for 'Best Visual Effects', in addition to a Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation'.
"Alien" was also inducted into the US National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2002 for historical preservation as a film which is "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
The success of Scott's film, spawned an "Alien" media franchise of novels, comic books, video games and toys, as well as three sequel and two prequel films.Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek Ridley Scott's "Alien"..
