Cannes, Saint Tropez-Set Crime-Comedy ‘Queen Of Diamonds’ Begins Shoot With Frédérique Bel, Christophe Lambert & Leo Gregory In Key Roles

EXCLUSIVE: French-Anglo director J.K. Amalou’s off-beat Cannes and Saint Tropez-set crime comedy Queen Of Diamonds has begun principal photography on the French Riviera.

Popular French comedy actress Frédérique Bel, whose credits include Serial (Bad) Weddings and Ducobu Président!, plays a woman who settles in Cannes after the murder of her British husband in London.

More from Deadline

• French Indie Cinema Sector Calls For Revolution As Arthouse Box Office Slump Deepens

• France's CNC Sets Carbon Footprint Stipulations In Return For Support; Screen Ireland Announces New Funding Streams; Rotterdam Unveils Attendees For Special Screening Program - Global Briefs

• France's CNC President Dominique Boutonnat Sent To Trial Over Sexual Assault Accusations - French Media

Leo Gregory co-stars as one-half of a British police detective team who travel to Cannes to question the woman about the theft of the precious gem The Queen of Diamonds, which might have been handled by her deceased husband. Andy Beckwith plays his sidekick.

Not convinced they are really policemen, she evades them and a cat-and-mouse caper ensues across the French Riviera, with her path crossing that of a veteran diamond trader, played by Christophe Lambert. Gabriella Wright also features in the cast as his wife.

French-Anglo filmmaker Amalou also wrote the screenplay and produces the film under the banner of Moon Eye Pictures with Romeo Cirone at Romeo Drive Productions. Gregory also takes a producer credit and has been a driving force behind the production coming together.

The comedic work marks a change in direction for Amalou after a string of hard-hitting thrillers including Assassin, starring Danny Dyer and Martin and Gary Kemp, and hostage drama Deviation.

Principal photography began on the French Riviera on October 10.

Best of Deadline

• John Waters Career In Film Gallery: From ‘Pink Flamingos’, ‘Cry-Baby’, ‘Serial Mom’, ‘Hairspray’ & More

• James Bond Movies In Order: Filmography, Bond Women & Iconic Villains

• The Royals And Politicians Of 'The Crown' And The Actors Who Play Them — Photo Gallery

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.