Disney”s feature adaptation of Artemis Fowl begins principal photography today in the UK.

The first book in Eoin Colfer”s series of eight about a 12-year-old criminal mastermind follows Artemis as he holds a fairy to ransom to try to restore his family fortune.

Irish actor Ferdia Shaw has been cast in the lead role with support from Judi Dench as Commander Root, Lara McDonnell as elf fairy Holly Short and Josh Gad in the role of Mulch Diggums.

Kenneth Branagh directs from a screenplay by Conor McPherson; the former also produces alongside Judy Hofflund.

Production Intelligence subscribers can log in for more details on Artemis Fowl, including the studio and key UK hires such as the UPM, DoP, casting director and production designer.

Branagh is also lined up to direct Death on the Nile, Fox”s follow-up to last year”s starry Murder on the Orient Express that grossed more than $350m worldwide. Branagh is expected to reprise his role of Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot.

Kenneth Branagh photo via Getty Images/Anadolu Agency.