British Hollywood actor Tim Roth will star in the title role of Sky 1's Skellig in an all-star cast that also features Kelly MacDonald, John Simm and Bill Milner.

Production has already begun on the adaptation of David Almond's bestseller. The Feel Films/Taking a Line for a Walk production will air on Sky 1 and Sky 1 HD in Spring 2009 before it is released in cinemas worldwide.

It is the first production to benefit from Sky 1's eight-figure HD drama investment fund and commenced principal photography on location in Cardiff today. The film was commissioned by Sky 1 commissioning editor, drama Sarah Conroy. Milner plays Michael, whose world is thrown into uncertainty when his baby sister falls ill.

He then stumbles into an old shed in his new home, and finds a strange creature - part owl, part angel (played by Roth) - who needs Michael's help if he is to survive. Executive producers are Elaine Pyke and Sarah Conroy for Sky, Linda James from the Wales Creative IP Fund, and Michael Henry from Limelight.

Nick Hirshkorn is producer with director Annabel Jankel. The book was adapted for the screen by Irena Brignull.