'Mud' banks trio of thesps

Mike Shepard, Michael Shannon and Sarah Paulson have became a member of the cast of Shaun Nichols' coming-of-age drama "Dirt," the author-director's first pic after "Take Shelter," joining the formerly introduced Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Tye Sheridan. Shooting started Monday in Arkansas. Ray McKinnon, Joe Don Baker and Paul Sparks also have became a member of the cast. Sarah Eco-friendly is creating, together with Everest Entertainment topper Lisa Maria Falcone and FilmNation's Aaron Ryder. Glen Basner is professional creating for FilmNation, that is selling "Dirt" worldwide. FilmNation and CAA are handling U.S. sales. "Dirt" centers about 2 14-year-old boys who encounter a mysterious fugitive hiding on a tropical within the Mississippi. Intrigued, they enter a pact to assist him evade capture and reunite using the passion for his existence. Shepard will have a reclusive character and Shannon will portray the uncle of among the boys while Paulson and McKinnon will have the mother and father from the other. Shannon starred in "Take Shelter" and labored together on Nichols' debut feature "Shotgun Tales." Everest Entertainment created "127 Hrs" and "Mutually Beneficial.Inch FilmNation handled worldwide sales for "Take Shelter" and lately completed "House in the Finish from the Street" and "The Raven." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com