Sky and XYZ Films start of production for Book of Love
February 8, 2021
Sky and XYZ Films, in association with BuzzFeed Studios, have announced the start of production in March for Book of Love, which will be a Sky Original in all Sky markets. Starring Sam Claflin (Peaky Blinders, Enola Holmes) and Veronica Echegui (Fortitude), the romantic comedy about two writers thrown together on a book tour in Mexico, will be available in all Sky markets (UK & Ireland, Germany, Italy) exclusively on Sky Cinema from the end of 2021. Sky and XYZ are co-financing the film, XYZ is handling international distribution in non-Sky markets and will introduce the project in advance of the upcoming EFM.
In Book of Love, young, uptight English writer Henry’s (Sam Claflin) novel is a resolute failure. He is delighted to find out his book is a surprise hit in Mexico but when he is invited there to promote it, he soon discovers why; his Spanish translator Maria (Veronica Echegui) has rewritten his dull book as an erotic novel. Henry is furious, and even more so when his publisher insists he and Maria conduct a book tour across Mexico together. Opposites attract and the chemistry between the couple ensures sparks fly.
Book of Love is directed by Analeine Cal Y Mayor (Treading Water, Voz De Un Ueno), and written by BAFTA and Emmy Award winning writer David Quantick (Veep, Avenue 5). Producers include Michael Knowles from North of Watford Films (Best Laid Plans), Naysun Alae-Carew from Blazing Griffin (Anna and the Apocalypse), Allan Niblo from Vertigo Films (Bronson, Human Traffic), Nick Spicer and Maxime Cottray from XYZ Films and Richard Alan Reid from BuzzFeed Studios. BuzzFeed Studios and North of Watford Films developed the screenplay and BuzzFeed Studios will be a marketing partner on the film.
Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland comments: “2021 has our biggest line up of Sky Original films yet and Book of Love is another fantastic addition to our slate. I know that Sky Cinema customers are just going to love this surprising and modern take on the romantic comedy starring Sam Claflin and Veronica Echegui.”
Nick Spicer, CEO at XYZ Films comments: “At XYZ we seek stories and filmmakers that resonate globally. With Analeine at the helm of David’s witty script, and the chemistry Sam and Veronica will bring, this is a film that will charm audiences everywhere.”
Naysun Alae Carew at Blazing Griffin and Mike Knowles at North of Watford Films comment: “It’s wonderful to be working with Sky, XYZ and BuzzFeed on this film. We all need a bit of sun, romance and joy in our lives right now, and we’re excited to have such talented actors as Sam and Veronica bringing Book of Love to life.”
Richard Alan Reid at BuzzFeed Studios comments: “This film has all the ingredients of a classic rom-com, but also contains modern, relevant commentary under the surface. BuzzFeed has a global audience that’s passionate about romantic comedies, so we’re excited to get started on this film built with that audience in mind.”
Sky Cinema is the home of Sky Original films, with brand new films launching every month alongside an unrivalled range of the latest cinema releases and on demand library.