Gus Van Sant Lands on PROMISED LAND

Cameras on Gus Van Sant's new drama PROMISED LAND started rolling this week, with Matt Damon and John Krasinski taking on roles both in front and behind the camera. The screenplay, written by John Krasinski and Matt Damon, based on a story by Dave Eggers, recounts the plight of Steve Butler (Matt Damon), an oil company exec, who, along with his sales partner Sue Thompson (Frances McDormand), attempts to secure drilling rights from citizens of economically depressed town. However, what should have been an easy corporate sell becomes complicated when a local schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) and a grassroots community activist (John Krasinski) confront the corporate team. Mr. Krasinski commented, "Matt and I wanted to write a story about American identity. In all of today's political and economic rhetoric, I feel people often lose sight of the deeper, core principles of what defines us as a country. We knew we needed to find a contemporary issue that would serve as the backdrop to the story but, more importantly, allow us to fully explore this idea."

Also in the film are Rosemarie DeWitt, Scoot McNairy, and  Titus Welliver. The movie's crew includes cinematographer Linus Sandgren, production designer Dan Clancy and costume designer Juliet Polcsa. Participant Media is co-financing the movie, for which Focus will hold worldwide rights and commence overseas sales at the Cannes International Film Festival in May. Filming begins this week in Pennsylvania for release next winter. Focus president of production Jeb Brody said, "Matt and John's script is rich in Frank Capra-esque qualities, blending humor and heart while exploring the power of community in this day and age. An actor's director like Gus will bring forth all the emotions in the story, which is a true passion project for everyone. We're proud to be making Promised Land with Participant as our creative and financial partner."

For complete info, go to our press release.