Here is the first picture from the forthcoming movie inspired by Frank Sidebottom.

Filming on Frank began in New Mexico this week, and this image shows Michael Fassbender in the familiar papier-mache head.

The story is by Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan, based on their time in Sidebottom’s Oh Blimey Big Band.

Also in the picture are Domhnall Gleeson, playing the Ronson role, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who plays another band member.

Ronson, whose work also includes The Men Who Stare At Goats, has previously said: ‘It's not a film about Frank Sidebottom! It's totally made up. It's fictional, inspired by Frank but also by other great mavericks like Daniel Johnston.’

The film, due out later this year, is being made by Artificial Eye, and is being funded by Film4, the BFI and the Irish Film Board.

Published: 10 Jan 2013