Biopic Michelangelo Gets Its First lead.

Los Angeles. Actor Remo Vinzens has signed to portray Michelangelo. Feature starts shooting in spring 2011. Casting updates on the way.

"I'm excited about playing such a historic genius in art history, the 24 Higraph quoted Remo as saying. "Michelangelo - the early life" centers on Michelangelo Buonarroti, world-renowned painter, sculptor and poet of the 16th century. The plot revolves around his early life in Rome and follows him at his stages in Florence - where he completes his most famous work, the Statue of David, always accompanied by his apprentice "Ascanio".

"Equix" finances the 30 million feature through their new "Equix Film Fund" banner and will put two films into production next year, continuing that pace for the next several years. Joseph Roggen is producing along with Loung Ltd. Rene Schwartz and Bettina Gantenbein serves as co-producer.

Project marks the first collaboration between "Equix" and actor Remo Vinzens. Management Star Class brokered deal for "Michelangelo" and oversees the locations pre-production. No director has been announced yet.