|
|
|
The promotional trailer for the new feature film, "Of Kings & Cowboys”, a romance set against the backdrop of the rich, glamorous - often dangerous - world of international professional polo has just been shot. The four day shoot took place in the lush surrounds of Santa Barbara, California, an hour or so north of Los Angeles.
The epic film itself is set to start production in Spring of next year, and will be shot in some of the most beautiful major polo destinations in the world, such as Argentina, the UK, Dubai and the USA. It is planned for major worldwide release Summer 2010.
Why is “Of Kings and Cowboys” so extraordinary? The film is the very first feature film ever to be set in the international polo scene. In fact, to ensure viewers are brought directly into the world of this fast paced contact sport, the director and executive production team are already in the process of developing brand new innovative technology including cameras attached to riders, and utilizing cameras suspended from wires as used in other major sporting events. Further, the film will be produced for audiences to experience it on both IMAX and traditional theatre screens.
The shooting of the trailer (and the “Of Kings & Cowboys” blog created and maintained by the director) has now created so much intrigue that some in the press are speculating as to the lead actors (still not announced though Academy Award Winner Tommy Lee Jones is rumoured for the lead supporting role), and that Prince Harry and Prince William, both keen polo players, could be in for cameo turns. “Though the princes are scripted to be in the film,” says writer/director David Marlett, “we have only begun conversations with Clarence House.”
When speaking about the film, Marlett comments, “It is not a typical sports film. It is much deeper than that. Though it will shake your seat, stir your blood and make you leave the theatre dreaming of becoming a professional polo player, at its heart it is a Shakespearean romance. And as the horse, to me, is the ‘king’ in the sport of kings, it is equally a story of long and intractable love between men and women and the noble horse.”
“Of Kings & Cowboys” centers around two key characters: a young rodeo rider turned big-hitting polo player from West Texas, and a beautiful, spirited and well-educated Argentine heiress, brought together over their mutual love of horses and playing the game.
When asked what`s so special about polo, Marlett, a keen polo player himself says: "It`s like asking what`s so special about horses. Polo is not just the oldest team sport, not just the sport of kings, not just the ancient training tool for Alexander the Great`s cavalry and not just inhabited by the wealthy champagne-sippers. Every time you see polo you are seeing the essence of mankind`s competitive relationship with each other, with himself, and you are seeing the core of his ancient bond with horses."
On the style of the film, Marlett explains: "We will take you out on the field with the players, with the cracking mallets and bones, the collisions and thunder of hooves, the sweat and fiery words, like you`ve never seen before", Marlett says. This is something entirely unique and, coming 2010, will significantly raise the bar for all horse movies to come.
Marlett, from Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, is currently in London for the famous Gold Cup and Cartier International Polo tournaments, and to conduct meetings regarding “Of Kings & Cowboyss” not only with Clarence House but with many others within the polo community, sponsors, and the press.
About David Marlett:
David Marlett (44) is a writer/director/producer and `recovering attorney` (as he refers to himself tongue-in-cheek) based in Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California. After many years on local stages and directing theatre, primarily Shakespeare, he moved to the film industry where he has been for over ten years. He formed BlueRun Productions two years ago, where he has many projects in various stages of development from films to novels. Of Kings & Cowboys, it is his directorial debut and is loosely based on his own experiences growing up in West Texas, playing polo and working horses and cattle on area ranches.
About the Making of "Of Kings & Cowboys" blog ...
find it at: www.OfKingsandCowboys.com (Click on `www` above or below to link directly to the website).
About BlueRun Productions:
BlueRun Productions, LLC is a private company owned by David Marlett and a select handful of private investors. "Of Kings & Cowboys" is one of many films and television projects in various stages of development there. Other films in production under the BlueRun Productions banner, include the adaptation of David Marlett`s first novel, "Fortunate Son", and "Running Horse: the true story of the first movie ever made". For more information on BlueRun Productions, please visit: www.BlueRunProductions.com
|
|
