Winslet backs British talent

Winslet and Threapleton aim to begin shooting next year

Actress Kate Winslet and husband Jim Threapleton are hoping to boost the British film industry with their new production company.

Based at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, Telltale Films was initially formed about a year ago to develop and produce UK and European-based films.

But it is only recently that the company has signed an exclusive first-look deal with sales firm Intermedia, which will distribute the finished features worldwide.

Winslet, 25, who most recently starred in Holy Smoke with Harvey Keitel, said she and Threapleton were looking forward to the challenge of developing their own projects.

"We are both enjoying the exciting depth of writing on offer in the UK and believe we have a number of strong ideas that, with work, will make powerful films," she told Hollywood trade magazine Variety.

Speaking to BBC News Online, Jim Threapleton confirmed the company was looking to develop British talent - but added they saw the outfit as part of the wider European industry.

"The British issue is very important but we realise that we can't isolate ourselves in this business if there is going to be any chance of trying to compete with the US film industry," he said.

The 26-year-old said they formed the outfit to have greater control over their careers.

Winslet recently starred with Keitel in Holy Smoke

"We created Telltale primarily as a facility for us to do exactly what we wanted, " Threapleton said.

"Exactly what we will each be doing will change, whether it be directing or acting - we will be making it up as we go along." The couple are now currently considering a number of submissions from writers and directors.

Foundations

Winslet's career to date has proved she has a nose for a winning movie.

She has already won two Oscar nominations for her work in Sense and Sensibility and the box office smash Titanic.

In addition, she has just finished work on the thriller Enigma, with acclaimed director Michael Apted.

Winslet met Threapleton on the set of Hideous Kinky

As for the future, Winslet's scheduled projects show her expanding her production interests beyond acting.

She will take on the dual role of executive producer and star in Thérèse Raquin, which stars shooting next year.

It was through her involvement with Thérèse Raquin and Enigma that Winslet also developed a relationship with Intermedia - both films are Intermedia projects.

Despite his youth, Threapleton is a old hand at film-making as well. He met his wife on the set of Hideous Kinky in 1997. She was the star and he an assistant director.

He has spent the last 18 months laying the foundations for Telltale.

The couple, who married a year after they met, are expecting their first baby in September.