Franco to play Ginsberg in 'Howl' (SCR, VAR)
By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte
James Franco will play Allen Ginsberg in "Howl," a film about the obscenity trial into the poet's eponymous Beat Generation work. Set to go into production on March 16 in NYC, the film will be produced by Werc Werk Works and directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.
The picture will incorporate a reimagining of Ginsberg reciting the poem through animated sequences designed by illustrator Eric Drooker under the supervision of animation director John Hays.
Epstein and Friedman wrote the screenplay and will jointly direct and produce. Gus Van Sant serves as executive producer.
Epstein and Friedman's credits include "The Celluloid Closet" for HBO, and "Paragraph 175," winner of the directing award at Sundance 2000.
Werc Werk Works is also producing and financing Todd Solondz' follow-up to "Happiness," tentatively titled "Forgiveness."
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