Alexander Payne, the director of "Sideways," is to start filming Kaui Hart Hemmings' "The Descendants" in Hawai'i by early 2010, in what's said to be a significant boost for the state's film industry.

Payne is currently polishing a screenplay adapted from Hemmings' acclaimed novel set in contemporary Hawai'i, with filming to be done on O'ahu, Kaua'i and the Big Island, Hemmings said.

"I'm so thrilled they picked him," said Hemmings, an O'ahu resident.

"I love the way he captures place and trust him with Hawai'i."

Hemmings optioned her book to Fox Searchlight, a production company and distributor that previously worked with Payne on "Sideways" and has produced such movies as "Little Miss Sunshine," "I Heart Huckabees" and "Napoleon Dynamite." It was the U.S. distributor for "Slumdog Millionaire."

"The Descendants" will be Payne's first directorial work since "Sideways," according to show-biz newspaper Variety, which reported on plans for the film earlier this week. A spokeswoman for Fox Searchlight did not return a call yesterday inquiring about the picture.

Hemmings, who grew up in Hawai'i and is the stepdaughter of state Sen. Fred Hemmings, garnered critical praise for her 320-page novel that revolves around attorney Matt King, the scion of a kama'aina family.

The book — published by Random House — follows King, a descendant of missionaries and royalty, as he struggles with issues surrounding family, infidelity, death and selling expansive land holdings.

A New York Times reviewer observed that Hemmings' "comic sense is finely honed in this refreshingly wry debut novel."

Hemmings said no one had been selected for the title role, and that Fox Searchlight is hoping to cast a few of the characters from Hawai'i.

Hawai'i Film Commissioner Donne Dawson said the project is welcome news, given the caliber of people involved. Payne won an Oscar for his screenwriting on "Sideways" and was nominated for an Academy Award for directing the picture. He also was director of 1999's "Election" and 2002's "About Schmidt."

It "really bodes well for our industry," said Dawson, adding that it was a coup for the state to have a Fox Searchlight production here.

"It's really good news for the state."

Dawson said her office is in talks with 10 other productions interested in coming here, ranging from feature films to television shows and national television commercials.

She said the productions would be significant in terms of their spending and talent involved.

The increased interest in Hawai'i productions comes as the state considers laying off most of the film office's staff to deal with a yawning budget deficit.