London - British artist Sam Taylor-Wood is to direct a film recounting the early years of former Beatle John Lennon, the trade magazine Screen International said on its website Friday. Nowhere Boy charts the influence Lennon's aunt and mother played on the youngster's life and his first steps towards becoming a superstar.
Shooting is to begin in March 2009 in Lennon's home town of Liverpool.
Taylor-Wood, whose debut short film Love You More was nominated for a prize at this year's Cannes festival, said she was delighted to be involved in the film.
"I knew ... this was the film I had been looking to direct following Love You More," she said. "The women in John's early life truly shaped who he became and the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film."
The film is being produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae of Ecosse Films.
"I'm truly excited at the prospect of Sam Taylor-Wood bringing her singular artistic vision to the story," Bernstein said. "Combined with the genius of John Lennon I think that's a very arresting and dynamic combination."
A contemporary artist whose works include videos and photography, Taylor-Wood was nominated for Britain's renowned Turner prize in 1997.
Lennon was gunned down on December 8, 1980 in New York.
