[1]Seven Arts Pictures PLC [1] has announced an agreement with Prodigy Pictures, Inc. [2] to jointly produce and distribute the highly-anticipated motion picture “Neuromancer [3],” based on the best-selling science fiction novel [4] by William Gibson [5].
Prodigy hopes to arrange substantial financing for the film, which is expected to have a production budget of approximately $60 million. Prodigy’s Founder and CEO, Jay Firestone, will be the lead producer on 
[2]“Neuromancer,” and will supervise all elements of production for the film.
“Jay Firestone has a long and well regarded reputation in the industry,” said Peter Hoffman, CEO of Seven Arts. “I firmly believe that Jay’s savvy and expansive relationships will lead to strong investment, and a sharp production.”
Published in 1984, “Neuromancer” was the first winner of the science fiction “triple crown,” receiving the prestigious Nebula Award, Philip K. Dick Award and the Hugo Award. “
[6]Neuromancer” was also listed on Time magazine’s list of 100 best English-language novels written since 1923. By 2007, William Gibson’s archetypal cyberpunk novel had sold more than 6.5 million copies worldwide.
The film adaptation of Gibson’s novel will be written and directed by Vincenzo Natali, whose directorial credits include the 2009 science fiction horror film, “Splice” and the 1997 psychological thriller, “Cube.”
“Having Vincenzo on board has been exhilarating for us,” said Jay Firestone, founder of Prodigy Pictures. “His distinctive vision has added a striking new dimension to William Gibson’s already thought-provoking story.”
Principal photography on the film is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2012.