In September, the same month that , starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh Brolin, is due to hit theaters, shooting will begin on another movie about the world’s highest peak, called In High Places.
that Michael Sheen is set to play the role of British mountaineer George Mallory in his ill-fated summit attempt of Everest. Mallory, who took part in the first three British treks on Everest, and his climbing partner, Andrew Irvine, mounted an expedition in 1924 and were last seen about 100 feet from the summit. , Mallory’s frozen body was found on the north ridge 75 years later, in 1999.
In High Places will shoot in the Italian province of South Tyrol, as well as India, London, and Cologne. Writer and director James McEachen told Screen Daily that he’s been fascinated with Mallory and has been on Himalayan expeditions himself, including to the 27,766-foot Makalu. “It was this direct experience that gave me a deep-seated respect for the bold imagination and war-hardened bravery that Mallory and his companions displayed in their quest for the summit of Everest—long before the age of Gore-Tex and titanium,” he said.
Screen Daily reports that the film is backed by the British company Wind Fish Motion Pictures and Cologne-based Medienparks NRW. In High Places will operate on a small indie budget, with financing coming from a combination of private equity; German, Italian, and UK tax credits; tax rebates; and presales.