JAMAICAN ACTRESS Esther Anderson and writer/producer Gian Godoy are in the island to check on progress being made to prepare the Westmoreland location to be used as principal set for their film, Redemption Song. Mr. Godoy told The Gleaner, the film is based on the life of Esther and her involvement in the creation of Island Records.
A team of craftsmen has been preparing the grounds of the location, which was once occupied by Bob Marley and Esther Anderson in 1974.
The Jamaican actress recently stayed in Hollywood with Ally McBeal's star James LeGros and met a number of movie industry personnel.
"Being back in LA after all these years is very exciting. There's a new breed of filmmakers who know about Jamaica and our music. They're willing to take part in the film and some directors have shown interest in building sets. It is a nice feeling to know that although years have passed the door is still open to me as an artist and filmmaker", she said in a release.
Last week Esther attended Roger Steffens' Bob Marley exhibition on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, where some of her work with Bob are on display.
Esther and Gian are now holding talks with Michelle Rodriguez, star of Girlfight and winner of Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, the Breakthrough Achievement Award, as well as Matt Cedeno of Days of Our Lives and James Spader of Sex, Lies and Videotapes to play the principal roles in Redemption Song.
The film is to be shot in Jamaica, London and Hollywood, the release also said.
Ken Fox, co-producer of Blair Witch Project, has been attached to the project and Eve's Bayou director Kasi Lemmons, is director.
According to the release, discussions are being held with Aston 'Familyman' Barrett, the only remaining member of the original band, The Wailers and Trenhorne Productions to score and produce the soundtrack.
