In his newest venture, James Franco is adapting two obscure books of poetry as films, and he’s recruited some impressive names to include in the cast. Tar from C.K. Williams has finished filming and may premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. Produced by Vince Jolivett Tar, features the acting of Mila Kunis, Jessica Chastain, along with James Franco.

The second adaptation, Black Dog, Red Dog from Stephen Dobyn, boasts Olivia Wilde, Chloe Sevigny, and Whoopie Goldberg as cast members. Both films will be created on small budgets with the assistance of students from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Read further at Word & Film, Gawker, and Indie Wire.

-Abby Koski