Cynthia Erivo traded Elphaba’s black robes from Wicked and Wicked: For Good for the defense attorney’s black robes (and gray wig) in the Prima Facier first look.
The feature film adaptation of Susie Miller’s award-winning one-woman play has completed principal photography in London with support from Embankment Films, which began international sales for the project in Cannes. Filming took place at locations including the Old Bailey, Lincoln’s Inn and London’s newest studio complex, The Story Works.
Prima Facier, directed by BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated Susannah White (She Walks Out, Our Traitors, Andor), stars Emmy, Grammy, Tony and three-time Oscar nominee Erivo as Tessa Ensler, a brilliant young British lawyer. From her working-class roots to a rising star in London’s bars, she proves formidable in defending a man accused of sexual assault. But just when her career seems to be taking off, she must make a decision that pits her love of the law against her personal need to fight for justice.
The feature was written for the screen by Miller based on her own acclaimed play, which was led by Jodie Comer in the West End and Broadway, won Olivier awards for Best New Play and Best Actress, and won the Tony Award for Best Actress.
In addition to the first look images, the cast of supporting characters for the film have also been revealed. The lineup includes Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), Elizabeth Durau (Andor, House of Guinness), Noma Dumezweni (Murderbots, The Undoing), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso, The Power) and Harry Treadaway (Penny Dreadful). Sarah Junilon (FBI: International, Red Eye), Elliott Levy (Bookish, Giant), Simon Russell Beale (The Death of Stalin, House of the Dragon).
“Prima Facie” is produced by Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey (“Sweet Country,” “Mystery Road”) of Bunya Productions and Kevin Loader (“The Coral,” “The Death of Stalin”) of Embankment. Executive producers include Erivo and Solom Williams of Edith’s Daughter (“Drift”), Anita Verma-Larian of Camelback Productions, Malinda Wink of Minderu Pictures, Jon Hamm and Zach Sherman of Alpha Film & Television, Andrew Rowe of CML Entertainment Finance, Miller and White;
“As an actor and executive producer, it means so much to be part of the team that brings Susie Miller’s unforgettable prima facie from stage to screen,” said Erivo. “‘Prima Facier’ is the result of a long-held dream and putting the right pieces together to create the perfect brilliance. It was an honor to work with this staff and creative team, whose contributions add to the film’s larger cultural impact. Tessa Ensler’s story is the story of so many people, and my hope is that it reaches the deepest corners and fosters conversations that help us understand and empathize with each other in ways that are especially needed in these times.”
Miller went on to say, “I was moved to see my one-woman play blossom into this multi-dimensional, extraordinary film material, with all the characters brought to life. Adding new layers to the story means that ‘Prima Facier’ is all about It’s about speaking to women and sparking more conversation. Cynthia Erivo has taken Tessa and made her completely her own. She’s an actress at the peak of her talent and we’re looking forward to making a difference.”
Embankment has significantly pre-sold the film in key international territories and is handling global sales and distribution on behalf of U.S. rights in conjunction with UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance.
“I first read ‘Prima Facie’ at a play in Australia and was immediately captivated by Susie’s combination of mission and great sense of humour,” White said. “The challenge for me was to take a great stage monologue and turn it into a powerful piece of film, taking ideas and exploring the story visually. I wanted this important story, which affects one in three women, to spark conversation and stay with the audience long after they left the theater.”
Producers Simpkin, Lauder and Jowsey added: “The production team has high expectations for Prima Facier, which will deliver a powerful contemporary story and strong themes. Director Susannah White’s nuanced direction and Cynthia Erivo’s stunning lead performance capture the cinematic beauty of London’s fall. We can’t wait to share this film with the world.”
Prima Facie is an Australian-British co-production between Bunya Productions and Embankment Films. Major production investment came from Minderoo Pictures in association with Screen Australia and Camelback Productions, Alpha Film & Television from Hamm and Sherman, and CML Entertainment Finance from Lowe. Funded with support from Screen NSW and Bunya Productions. Post, digital and visual effects were supported by Screen NSW.
