"Water For Elephants" Now in Production
NASHVILLE -- Principal photography is underway at an undisclosed Tennessee location for the Fox 2000 Pictures drama, “Water for Elephants,” starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz. Directed by Francis Lawrence and based upon the best-selling novel by Sara Gruen, “Water for Elephants” has been adapted for the screen by Richard LaGravenese. Erwin Stoff, Gil Netter and Andrew Tennenbaum are producing with Kevin Halloran serving as executive producer.
During the Great Depression, Jacob (Robert Pattinson), a penniless and recently-orphaned veterinary school student, parlays his expertise with animals into a job with a second-rate traveling circus. He falls in love with Marlena (Witherspoon), one of the show's star performers, but their romance is complicated by Marlena's husband, the charismatic but unbalanced circus boss August (Waltz).
Reese Witherspoon, who won an Academy Award® for her role as June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line,” has also starred in such blockbuster films as “Legally Blonde” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Achieving a cult-like following from his character, Edward Cullen, in the “Twilight” films, Robert Pattinson also portrayed Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”
Christoph Waltz gained worldwide attention when he won an Academy Award in 2010 for “Inglourious Basterds.” He also won a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critic’s Choice and SAG Award for the same role.
Director Francis Lawrence’s previous directorial efforts include “I Am Legend” and “Constantine.”
20th Century Fox will release “Water For Elephants” next year.
About the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission
The Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission supports the economic development of the film and music community through the recruitment of business by promoting Tennessee as a location in feature films, television productions, commercials and other works. The commission encourages the interactive growth of the film and music communities through a wide range of marketing, networking and advertising efforts. For more information visit www.tn.gov/film.
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