Daniel Mays, Emilia Jones & Bella Ramsey Join Samantha Morton and Billie Piper in TWO FOR JOY

DANIEL MAYS, EMILIA JONES AND BELLA RAMSEY JOIN SAMANTHA MORTON AND BILLIE PIPER IN CAST OF TOM BEARD’S ‘TWO FOR JOY’

Principal photography begins on the BLONDE TO BLACK PICTURES production

BLONDE TO BLACK PICTURES announced today that Daniel Mays (Rogue One, The Adventures of Tintin, Atonement), Emilia Jones (High Rise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, One Day) and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) will join two-time Academy Award® Nominee Samantha Morton (Sweet and Lowdown, Control, Fantastic Beasts) and 2017 Olivier Award® Winner Billie Piper (Penny Dreadful, City of Tiny Lights, Secret Diary of a Call Girl) in acclaimed photographer Tom Beard’s feature film debut Two For Joy. Principle photography commenced September 4 in Dorset and Wales.

BLONDE TO BLACK PICTURES’ Emma Comley and Sadie Frost will produce and finance the film along with business partner Andrew Green, part funded by an  EIS fund managed by White and Company, and in collaboration with KODAK and Cinelab. Independent will handle international sales.

The film, which will be shot entirely on KODAK 35mm film, is an authentic, unflinching and ultimately redemptive coming of age drama following a daughter, her mother and her wayward younger brother as their relationship reaches critical mass. A lyrical exploration of modern Britain seen through the eyes of a family in crisis and at a crossroads, it’s bold narrative shines a spotlight on issues affecting the country’s marginal communities, including young carers, mental illness and national identity. Tim Sidell (Jacked, I Am Soldier) will act as the film’s cinematographer.

Following her spirited, lauded role in Brimstone alongside Dakota Fanning, Emilia Jones takes the role of ‘Vi’, a teenager forced to grow up fast as carer for her struggling mother Aisha (Morton) and unofficial guardian to her wayward younger brother Troy (played by newcomer Badger Skelton). Vi’s suggestion of a last-minute break to the family caravan creates a catalyst for change via a chance encounter with another family they meet there… Enter Mays as the caravan park caretaker ‘Lias’. Lias, sister Lillah (Piper) and her daughter Miranda (Ramsey) introduce powerful new dynamics into Vi’s family life that serve to shatter the fragile respite both families have come in search of. Ramsey is set to further showcase her status as a rising star following her acclaimed recurring role on HBO’s Games of Thrones.

Photographer Tom Beard scripts and makes his feature debut following his acclaimed work directing music videos for FKA Twigs, Florence and The Machine, The Klaxons and Jessie Ware, continuing his creative collaboration with BLONDE TO BLACK PICTURES who co-produced his short film Rags. Beard developed Two For Joy following his work with drama therapy charity The Big House, mentoring and running creative writing sessions with care leavers, offering him a unique perspective on issues affecting young people in England today.

Commenting on the new additions to the talented cast, director Beard stated:

The talent and maturity of our young cast in response to a very emotional and intense script has been incredible. Watching them bring my characters to life has been truly moving.

Producers Sadie Frost and Emma Comley added:

As producers we feel a responsibility to make strong and unique stories, Tom script is powerful and intensely moving,  the story is hugely topical now with elements of forgotten Britain and aspects of mental health.

Mays is represented by Curtis Brown; Jones is represented by ARG Talent RAMSEY is represented by Conway Gelder Grant; MORTON is represented by Conway Gelder Grant; and PIPER is represented by Curtis Brown