Winterbottom works on multi-year film

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Cannes, France -- Michael Winterbottom, whose "A Mighty Heart" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival Monday, has begun shooting a new movie that won't be done until 2012.

Winterbottom said he plans to film "Seven Days" over five years using a few weeks at a time, Variety reported. The film stars John Simm as a man serving five years in prison for drug smuggling with Shirley Henderson as his wife.

Winterbottom and Laurence Coriat will write the script as the story develops through the years.

The movie is being financed as a made-for-television effort by Britain's Channel 4's drama budget, but it is intended as a theatrical release outside of Britain.

"A Mighty Heart" traces the story of Daniel Pearl, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who was slain in Pakistan in 2002, through the eyes of those who sought his return. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Pearl's widow, Mariane Pearl, and was produced in part by Brad Pitt.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.