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Very recently it was reported that Oscar award winner Hollywood director Bill Bannerman, who has been associated with the films like

'Bridges of Madison County', ''The Grudge 2'', ''Walking Tall'', ''The Hulk''', ''Payback'', ''Mission Impossible'', ''Star Trek: First Contact'' and more, is

directing a feature called Unveiled. A Hollywood project about a Muslim Woman who has two husbands and a lover, it may star an Indian actress

read Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty or Lisa Ray as the lead protagonist.

Joginder Tuteja gets into an exclusive conversation with the director to get first hand information about the project, his reason behind

choosing the subject, his criteria for getting the right person for the role and more!

Bill, can you please tell something about your work in Hollywood to the Indian audience?
As a producer/director, I work in conjunction with the major studios on various projects, as well as a select group of boutique companies with a

solid pedigree. Whether it''s producing or directing, I have been fortunate to specialize in feature films, with an incredible array of people recognized

worldwide for their work.

My time with Clint was invaluable. It has defined my work methods

and passionate approach to filmmaking in general

Your credentials convey an interesting association with Clint Eastwood. Any comments?
My time with Clint was invaluable. It has defined my work methods and passionate approach to filmmaking in general. Clint''s process is truly

unique, but a process that has evolved from his teachers, Sergio Leone & Don Segal. He understands every element of production both

physical
and creative, and this strength taught me how to focus on the task, everyday.

I have been searching for quite some time to find a provocative

thriller with a Muslim female lead

Now one hears that you are beginning work on your new venture Unveiled. How did you arrive at this subject?
I have been searching for quite some time to find a provocative thriller with a Muslim female lead. I''ve always been intrigued by characters who have

hidden secrets. Not necessarily forced by emotions but driven by environmental and social conditions. Transcending international borders with a

story that could resonate with all audiences was imperative.

A subject line that reads "A film about a Muslim woman who has two husbands and a lover" sounds quite exciting. But do you also perceive any

moral policing here taking into consideration that the subject may find its own detractors?
These issues are driven by the story and not by the setup. The decisions this character makes to guide herself through this journey are treacherous

and questionable. Some wrong, some right. But a character without flaws is a character no one will be interested to watch and debate.

The film''s synopsis also mentions that "Behind the dark burkha, there lies a sexy, manipulative victim, who''s dangerous as well as in grave

danger". Do you want to elaborate on this?
This story revolves around a woman caught up in a situation of extraordinary circumstances. Her choices and actions will be driven by

circumstance, and not by experience. Her journey is unknown, and as she takes each step forward she doesn''t necessarily know if it is the

right
or wrong step. However, these are the steps that will define her, surprise her, and shock her.

What kind of narrative are you planning to adopt for Unveiled? Is it going to be shot in a doc-drama format or would it follow a conventional

thriller approach?
It''s a hybrid of several structures. Narrative slightly, but more outside the box. The power of filmmaking is to manipulate your canvas in a way that

lends itself well to the journey. When your story encompasses multiple locations, cultures, characters, and timelines, the format is non-conforming.

Though the film has a female as a Muslim protagonist, one believes that it would also have some strong male characters. Is that the case?

Our female protagonist''s journey will most definitely include some very strong male characters. These interactions will define her fate.

There have been talks about Hillary Swank and Penelope Cruz showing keen interest in the project. Won''t it be good to have one of them or

someone from us itself since it would mean roping in an ''in-house'' actor who understands the functioning of Hollywood?
Finding the right actor to play a role is the toughest part of making a film. This I learned very clearly from Clint. Once you cast, the largest part of the

job is done. First and foremost this will drive the choice; finding the right person wherever they are in the world that "fits" the part, that "is" the part.

While you are looking for a South Asian/Middle East female as a central protagonist, don''t you think it may be a task in it''s own to pin down the

female who is perfect for the job?
Most certainly. That is why I am searching the globe for this actress. It has been extremely difficult.

Apart from the country of origin, what''s the kind of persona and acting talent are you looking in a female for your film?
Vulnerability with substance, and mesmerizing charisma!!!

So do you already have someone in mind? There are speculations about Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty or Lisa Ray being looked at closely. If so,

do you want to detail down the reasons for short-listing these females?
The list is narrowing. Authenticity is the most important attribute, so my reasons are simple. An emotional connection with the actress to play this

role is imperative. If you don''t believe the pedigree, you won''t believe the character.

If you don''t believe the pedigree, you won''t believe the character.

Do you plan to make this film reach out globally or would it be for selective audience?
Globally.

Coming to the logistics of the film, apart from you who are the other people from Hollywood who are associated with the film as the top

stakeholders?
My executive producer is John Lind. And the project is in association with my company Banook entertainment.

Where would the shooting for the film happen? Is it only Hollywood or even in Middle East/India?
Multiple locations in multiple countries. This is a journey that crosses several borders.

What is the kind of shooting plan that you have for the film? When do we see the principal shooting of the film completed and when does it hit

the screens?
Pending talent schedules we plan to film late summer/early fall this year. Release in early 2008.

Out here in Bollywood, we hear impressive tales about level or professionalism in shooting a film in Hollywood w.r.t. timelines, budget controls,

promotion etc. Can you throw some light on that?
Yes...its common practice when driven by the economics of business. With so much money at stake and the multiple venues of media markets,

every decision and every dollar must be executed with precision. This dictates a level of expertise on all levels.

When can we see you visiting India?
Soon...my search continues.

Have you ever been here before by the way?
I have filmed two projects in Asia, but have never been to India.