The name Craig Roberts has been high on the list of promising film talent ever since he took the screen by storm in Richard Ayoade’s film, Submarine, in 2010. That role brought with it well-deserved recognition, and a slew of varied offers, including The Double, Bad Neighbors and 22 Jump Street. Now, Roberts is turning all that good will into tangible opportunities behind the camera, by beginning pre-production on his own directorial debut at the tender age of just 23 – Just Jim.
Written by Roberts himself, Just Jim features the lead character realizing that he will be considered part of the socially acceptable group of teenagers, if he can successfully negotiate with his handsome and mysterious American neighbour. While Roberts is expected to play the lead, Emile Hirsch has been cast in the role of his neighbour. The cast is rounded out by Aneirin Hughes (Young Dracula), Nia Roberts (Doctor Who), Richard Harrington (Hinterland) and Matthew Aubrey (Made In Dagenham).
Emile Hirsch has been making waves in Hollywood since taking the lead role in Into The Wild – Sean Penn’s film adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s book. He has since appeared in such impressive titles as Milk, Savages, Prince Avalanche and Lone Survivor. The prospect of him teaming with a new, young director, is both exciting and concerning. These young artists have the passion and drive for their tasks, clearly, but possess very little in the way of meaningful experience. Yet, here they are – heading up a production of their very own, with filming expected to begin in Wales this week.
What they lack in experience, they more than make up for with enthusiasm and dedication, and potential audiences will be interested to find out who Craig Roberts’ biggest influences are when it comes to writing and shooting a script. With cameras set to roll on Just Jim soon, we hopefully won’t have long to wait.
