Ford to star in K-19 for National Geographic Features

10/12/00
Press Release

Harrison Ford today confirmed that he will star in the film K-19: The Widowmaker - a cold War submarine thriller based on real events. The film will be directed by Kathryn Bigelow (The Weight of Water, Point Break) from a screenplay by Christopher Kyle (The Weight of Water) and Louis Nowra (Map of the Human Heart). National Geographic Features, in partnership with Bigelow's First Light Productions and Joni Sighvatsson's Palomar Pictures will produce with Intermedia financing and distributing.

K-19 is based on the true story of Russia's first nuclear ballistic submarine, which suffered a malfunction in its nuclear reactor on its maiden voyage in the North Atlantic in 1961. In the film, Harrison Ford will play the ship's unyielding Captain Zateyev who races against time to prevent a Chernobyl-like nuclear explosion which threatens not only the lives of his crew, but has the potential to ignite a world war between the super powers. National Geographic and Bigelow spent nearly four years carefully researching and developing the project, and took several trips to Russia to interview survivors and family members, notably Captain Zateyev's widow.

The picture will be produced by Joni Sighvatsson (The Weight of Water, Arlington Road) of Palomar Pictures, Chris Whitaker of National Geographic Features, and Bigelow, and executive produced by Jake Eberts (The Legend of Bagger Vance) and Intermedia principals Guy East, Nigel Sinclair and Moritz Borman. Principal photography will commence in February 2001 on locations in Russia, Iceland, and Canada.

Kathryn Bigelow stated, "K-19 has been a project that I've felt passionately about for several years. Over the course of my research in Russia, I've had the privilege of meeting survivors of the event. The terrible tragedy that befell the Kursk submarine this past summer touched the world, and underscored anew the unimaginable danger submariners confront. The story of the K-19 will examine the heroism, courage and prowess of Russia's submarine force in ways we've never seen before."

Harrison Ford stated, "The tremendous courage and sense of duty exhibited by the Russian submarine force amid the Cold War struggle for nuclear supremacy inspired me to take on the role of Captain Zateyev."

Harrison Ford most recently starred in this summer's box office hit What Lies Beneath, which has grossed more than $150 million domestically. Ford's career first took off with his role as hot rodder Bob Falfa in George Lucas' American Graffiti and rocketed into movie legend as Han Solo in Lucas' Star Wars trilogy. Motion pictures starring Ford have earned more than $ 1 billion worldwide. For his role in Witness (1985), Ford was nominated for Best Actor by both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and the British Academy. He was recently honored by the American Film Institute with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tim Kelly, President of National Geographic Television, who has overseen the Features division on behalf of National Geographic, stated, "K-19 is a riveting story with intense drama and powerful real life challenges. We are delighted to be working with Harrison Ford and Kathryn Bigelow, and will bring all of the National Geographic Society's resources to bear to insure that K-19 is authentic and evocative."

Kathryn Bigelow is known for her creative, unique style and her successful infiltration into previously male-dominated territories. Most recently, she directed Canal Plus' The Weight of Water (based on Anita Shreve's best-selling novel) which stars Sean Penn, Sarah Polley, Catherine McCormack and Elizabeth Hurley. The Weight of Water will be released in spring 2001 by Lions Gate Films.

The K-19 deal was negotiated byAdam Krentzman on behalf of the producers with the assistance of National Geographic Features' attorney Stephen Espinoza of Greenberg, Glusker, Fields, Claman & Machtinger. CAA's Ken Stovitz, and Tom Hansen and Don Steele of Hanson, Jacobsen, Teller & Hoberman represented Bigelow. Harrison Ford's deal was brokered by Patricia McQueeny and UTA.

The National Geographic Society is the world's largest non-profit scientific and educational organization. The 112-year-old Society reflects the world through magazines, books, maps, television, and interactive media. It has funded more than 6,500 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy.

Palomar Pictures was founded in 1992 with the mission of nurturing and enabling talent to create groundbreaking films, commercials and music videos. The company has made award-winning music videos with Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears, as well as numerous television commercials for Budweiser, Gatorade, Coca Cola and Nike. In the longform arena, Palomar produced Always Outnumbered, and I Wasn't Made for These Times, along with the upcoming theatrical feature film, The Weight of Water.

Intermedia is a diversified entertainment investment company with offices in London, Los Angeles and Munich, which develops, finances, and distributes motion pictures in collaboration with leading producing partners. Its parent company, IM Internationalmedia AG, is listed in the Neuer Market stock exchange. Intermedia's films include Nurse Betty, Sliding Doors, Small Time Crooks, Hillary and Jackie, Playing By Heart, Sweet and Lowdown, Love's Labour's Lost, Where The Heart Is, and Where The Money Is as well as such forthcoming titles as Enigma, Blow Dry, and The Wedding Planner.

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