DreamWorks Studios has announced the official start of production on SWEENEY TODD. Official word from the studio Wednesday confirmed the project's lead talent and provides additional detail on the movie version of the award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical thriller that will be directed by Tim Burton and star Johnny Depp.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The DreamWorks and Warner Bros. co-production is scheduled to go before cameras in London at Pinewood Studios on Feb. 5 with an anticipated late 2007 release.

Depp will star as the titular Demon Barber of Fleet Street, marking the sixth collaboration between the eccentric actor and visionary director.