Mendelsohn, Frecheville join Fontaine pic

MendelsohnPARIS -- Ben Mendelsohn and James Frecheville, a couple of the topliners this year breakout Australian thriller "Animal Kingdom," have became a member of the cast of Anne Fontaine's untitled British-language debut, which begins to lense Wednesday. Aussie up-and-comers Sophie Lowe ("The Slap") and Xavier Samuel ("The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"), and vet thesp Gary Sweet ("Small-time Gangster") also boast within the cast. As formerly introduced, Naomi W and Robin Wright topline within the Australia-set drama romance, which is dependant on Doris Lessing's novel "The Grandmas." W and Wright star as two long term buddies who attempt a forbidden and passionate affair with every other peoples sons. British scribe Christopher Hampton, whose credits include "Atonement" and "Harmful Liaisons," composed the variation. Pic is created by French shingles Cine@ and MonVoisin, and Australian shingle Hopscotch Features, that is possessed by eOne. France's Gaumont is really a co-producer. Gaumont's worldwide salesforce, headed by Cecile Gaget, is going to be shopping the pic to purchasers at Berlin. Gaumont began pre-selling the pic in the AFM, and it has already closed Europe (Pathe) and Canada (Remstar). Gaget stated her team is at discussion with Italian and German purchasers. Hopscotch will release the pic around australia. Fontaine's 2009 Audrey Tautou starrer "Coco Before Chanel" was nommed for just one Oscar and four BAFTAs. John Hopewell led for this report. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com