A couple of weeks ago, Focus Features announced its 2010 slate. In that announcement, they also included some information about filming and release dates - including that Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's next effort, their adaptation of Ned Vizzini's "It's Kind of a Funny Story," would begin lensing in December of this year, to keep it on target for a release in November of 2010.

And, with that, Focus announced today that filming is beginning on FUNNY STORY this week in New York City. The cast includes Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Zoe Kravitz, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan, and Emma Roberts. The film follows Gilchrist's Craig as he ends up in an adult mental ward for five days, despite being just 16 years old. Vizzini's novel on which the film is based is classified as Young Adult literature, but it's really a funny and engaging work for all ages. It's no surprise that Boden and Fleck (HALF NELSON, SUGAR) were picked for the project, as I expect they will bring their own touches of humor and depth to an already great story.

Focus Features holds worldwide rights to the project, which it is co-financing with Wayfare Entertainment. Kevin Misher (PUBLIC ENEMIES) is producing the film. Wayfare's Michael Maher and Peter Rawlinson are executive producing, along with Journeyman Pictures' Jeremy Kipp Walker (who has previously worked with Boden and Fleck on both their features).

Source Focus Features