‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Writer Lesley Paterson Penning Bertha Benz Film (Exclusive)
“Star Wars’ actress Daisy Ridley, who narrates the VR experience as Benz, the wife of the “father of the modern car'“ Karl Benz, is also an executive producer on the film.
All Quiet on the Western Front co-writer Lesley Paterson will pen the script for a feature film based on a VR experience about the life of Bertha Benz, the wife of the “father of the modern car,” Carl Benz.
Paterson, who co-wrote the nine-time Oscar-nominated picture (including best adapted screenplay), told The Hollywood Reporter that she was drawn to Benz’s story after joining the VR game Trailblazer: The Untold Story of Bertha Benz as an executive producer.
“It really is the DNA of the types of stories I like to tell,” the Scotswoman said. “Resilience, overcoming obstacles, doing something important. And obviously anything to do with female empowerment is my M.O.”
Emmy-nominated Eloise Singer from London-based Singer Studios is the director and creator of Trailblazer, which is getting its French premiere in Cannes‘ immersive competition and follows the wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the Motorwagen, or first modern automobile. Bertha embarked on the world’s first road trip in 1888, showcasing the car to the skeptical public and press but ultimately making history.
“We just got on so well,” Singer told THR about her relationship with Paterson, explaining that the two first connected years ago when Paterson was a guest on her podcast. “I think that’s what’s really exciting about taking something from VR and then expanding it into films is that no one’s really doing this yet.”
Daisy Ridley, of Star Wars fame, narrates the story as Bertha and is an executive producer on the film.